LA Angels

While there’s no such thing as a fireproof plant, many native plant species have advantages in withstanding fire. They stay hydrated, shed minimal litter, cool spaces, and can intercept flying embers en route to homes. Some also have deep roots that will protect against landslides— even if the above-ground foliage is lost to fire.

Here are some of the angels, perfectly evolved to protect LA

Coast Live Oak

Native oak trees are slow to ignite, and their expansive canopies can intercept wind driven embers that might otherwise land on a home.

Even when young, oak native oak tree canopies present a dense barrier to flying embers and an abundance of cooling shade.

Coast Live Oak’s small, leathery leaves give the trees an advantage in staying hydrated in drought and withstanding a fire’s heat.

.California Lilac (Ceanothus)

California Lilac (Ceanothus), like native oak, has dense leaves that can catch embers.

Beautiful blue, fragrant California Lilac blooms are among the first to liven the garden in spring.

Shrub and groundcover ceanothus have mall, hearty leaves that hold hydration in high heat.