20 proven fire-resistant species for Bend's Zone 6b climate, based on OSU Extension's PNW 590 guide and local nursery expertise. Plus: the 8 most dangerous plants to remove from your defensible space.
OSU Extension's PNW 590 guide — the definitive reference for fire-resistant landscaping in the Pacific Northwest — identifies four key traits that determine a plant's flammability. Understanding these traits helps you evaluate any plant, not just the ones on this list.
Source: OSU Extension Service, Fire-Resistant Plants for Home Landscapes (PNW 590), revised October 2023. Available free at extension.oregonstate.edu. Also see the OSU Central Oregon Flammable Plant List for priority removal species.
From the OSU Central Oregon Flammable Plant List and Bend Fire & Rescue guidance. These plants should be removed from Zones 0–2 (within 50–100 feet of structures, depending on your WUI hazard level).
Highly volatile oils ignite at low temperatures; accumulates dead ladder fuels in canopy; Central Oregon's #1 fire threat
Burns extremely hot and fast; high oil content; dense woody structure creates intense fuel load
Commonly planted near homes; acts as a Roman candle; resinous foliage ignites rapidly
Dense and resinous; accumulates dead needles within canopy; low-branching creates ladder fuels
Highly flammable in dry conditions; volatile oils in foliage; listed on OSU Central Oregon Flammable Plant List
Same volatile oil content as Western Juniper; extremely common in Bend landscapes as ornamental
Invasive; extremely flammable dry stems; spreads rapidly; creates dense fuel beds
High resin content; low-hanging branches create ladder fuels; hazardous within 50 feet of structures
Western Juniper removal note: Juniper removal costs in Central Oregon range from $300–$650 per small tree to $800–$2,500 for large mature specimens. BLM-scale mechanical removal on large acreage runs $22–$150/acre; labor-intensive hand removal is approximately $832/acre. See our Juniper Removal Cost Guide for full pricing details.
All plants below are recommended in OSU Extension PNW 590 and/or confirmed by Schilling's Garden Market as performing well in Central Oregon's climate. Filter by plant type to find options for your specific zone.
Dense succulent mat retains moisture; drought-tolerant; many varieties with colorful foliage
Rosette-forming succulent; thrives in rock gardens; excellent fire resistance
Native groundcover; spreads gently; holds moisture well; produces berries for wildlife
Low mat; fragrant; drought-tolerant; good between pavers in Zone 0 transition
Native; lacy leaves; long-blooming; pollinator magnet; extremely drought-tolerant
Aromatic; attracts hummingbirds; heat and drought tolerant; A. rupestris excels in dry soil
Tidy mounding habit; minimal dead material; vibrant tubular flowers; attracts hummingbirds
Cheerful yellow blooms; sun-loving; low resin; easy to maintain
Native varieties available; moist foliage; shade-tolerant; minimal fuel accumulation
Colorful foliage; compact; low dead material; good for shaded Zone 1 areas
Striking red winter stems; multi-season interest; erosion control; high moisture content
Fragrant white blossoms; upright habit; Oregon native; low flammability
Native; white berries; tolerates dry shade; spreads to form thickets; good erosion control
Native; fragrant yellow flowers; edible berries; drought-tolerant once established
Local gem; stunning fall color; multi-stem; lower resin than conifers
Four-season interest; white spring flowers; summer berries; glowing fall color; fire-resistant
Exfoliating bark; colorful foliage varieties; low maintenance; good structure
Native; moist green foliage; excellent fire resistance; beautiful fall color; spreads by root
Small deciduous tree; brilliant red fall color; low resin; good for Zone 2
Graceful canopy; distinctive bark; higher moisture content; limited fuel load when maintained
Deciduous; spring flowers; moderate moisture content; lower risk than conifers
Where to buy: Schilling's Garden Market in Bend carries many of these species and can advise on current availability. Ask specifically for plants from the OSU PNW 590 list. Newport Avenue Landscaping sources plants from local nurseries and can handle procurement and installation as part of a complete firewise replanting project.
Choosing the right plant is only half the equation — placement matters as much as species selection. Under Oregon's Model Defensible Space Code (ORS 476.392), different zones have different requirements.
Recommended plants: No combustible vegetation. Use gravel, crushed stone, concrete, or pavers. If transitioning to Zone 1, the most fire-resistant succulents (Sedum, Hens-and-Chicks) may be placed at the outer edge.
Mandatory under Oregon Model Code Section 301.2
Recommended plants: Stonecrop, Yarrow, Agastache, Pinleaf Penstemon, Wild Strawberry, Coral Bells, Snowberry, Golden Currant. Keep well-irrigated. No wood mulch. Prune tree limbs to 6+ feet from ground.
Required for all WUI properties
Recommended plants: Red Osier Dogwood, Mock Orange, Serviceberry, Vine Maple, Ninebark, Quaking Aspen, Birch. Ensure no touching canopies. Remove ladder fuels. Selective juniper pruning may be acceptable here.
Distance varies: 30 ft (Moderate), 50 ft (High), 100 ft (Extreme Hazard)
See the complete Defensible Space Zone Guide for exact distances by WUI hazard level, ORS 476.392 citations, and the full Oregon Model Code requirements.
A fire-wise landscape does not have to look defensive or stripped. With the right plant palette and thoughtful design, your Central Oregon property can be both stunning and genuinely protective. These principles come from Schilling's Garden Market and Newport Avenue Landscaping's 21+ years of local experience.
Replace wood or bark mulch within Zone 1 with gravel, decomposed granite, or crushed stone. These materials suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and are completely noncombustible.
Cluster plants with similar irrigation requirements together. This simplifies maintenance, ensures consistent moisture levels, and makes it easier to keep Zone 1 plants well-hydrated through fire season.
Ensure there is clear vertical separation between groundcovers, shrubs, and trees. This eliminates ladder fuels — the continuous fuel paths that allow ground fires to climb into tree canopies.
Start with Zone 1. The 30 feet immediately surrounding your home has the greatest impact on whether your home survives a wildfire. Get this zone right before worrying about Zone 2 or 3.
Even the best fire-resistant plants become hazardous if neglected. Prune dead growth every spring, clear debris before fire season, and check irrigation coverage annually.
Native plants like Yarrow, Wild Strawberry, Serviceberry, and Quaking Aspen are adapted to Central Oregon's climate, require less water once established, and support local pollinators and wildlife.
Newport Avenue Landscaping provides complete firewise transformations — from hazardous plant removal to fire-resistant replanting and irrigation upgrades. Serving Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Sunriver, and all of Deschutes County.
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