Choosing the Right Plants - University of Nevada, Reno

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLANTS FOR NORTHERN NEVADA’S HIGH FIRE HAZARD AREAS

36 • UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION < 2’

Full Sun Part Shade Low-Growing (twice a week) Moderate (once a week) Low (7-14 days) Very Low (7-10 days) Deep Water (10-14 days) Deep Water Extra Maintenance Temperature Sensitive

Lonicera tatarica

Kerria japonica

Kerria japonica

30’

Kerria – This somewhat tropical-looking shrub
prefers an east or north exposure. It has yellow
or pale orange flowers that look like tiny roses.
Kerria grows 6 ft. tall and 8 ft. wide. It prefers
well-drained soil with humus or compost
added, partial shade and twice-a-week watering.

Ligustrum ‘Vicaryi’

Ligustrum species

30’

Privet – These dense shrubs are best suited

to use as a hedge or screen away from the

house. They all produce white flowers that

result in black berries. Plant in full sun to

light shade in any soil, and water once a

week. Not bothered by rabbits, squirrels or

deer.

L. amurense (Amur Privet) – 15 ft. tall by 15 ft.

wide; green leaves.

L. obtusifolium (Border Privet) – 10 ft. tall by 12

ft. wide; green leaves have purple tinge in fall.

L. x. vicaryi (Vicary Privet) – 10 ft. tall by 10 ft.

wide; golden yellow leaves.

L. vulgare (Common Privet) – 10 ft. tall by 10

ft. wide; green leaves; clusters of black fruit.

L. v. ‘Aureum’ (Golden Privet) – 10 ft. tall by 10

ft. wide; golden yellow leaves.

Lonicera tatarica

30’

Tatarian Honey suckle – A large shrub that

is best suited to the back of a border, or as a

hedge or screen away from house. It grows up

to 12 ft. tall and 8 ft. wide and produces red

flowers in June. The variety ‘Arnold Pink’ has

pink flowers, but is similar otherwise. The

orange or red berries are relished by the birds

in the fall. Place in full sun to light shade and

well-drained soil, and water once a week. This

plant is not bothered by rabbits, squirrels or

deer.

Mahonia aquifolium

30’

Oregon Grape – This evergreen shrub has

glossy, dark green, spiny-toothed leaves that

become purplish in winter. It has bright yellow

flowers in May, followed by blue-black berries

that attract birds August-September. It matures

to 4 ft. tall by 6 ft. wide. Grow in full sun to

part shade and well-drained soil, and water one

to two times per week. This plant is not both-

ered by rabbits, squirrels or deer.

Mahonia aquifolium

Mahonia aquifolium