Most are evergreen (one species deciduous), with small oval leaves 1–7 cm long, arranged spirally on the stems. Coast live oak, California bay, Rhus integrifolia, and other shade producing species replace coastal sage scrub and other coyote bush-dominated areas, particularly when there hasn't been a wildfire or heavy grazing. Spines, approximately half an inch long, are located at base of leaves. Each plant has a score from A – C on the following: Impact – how large is the effect it has on the environment? Shrubs and trees vary from community … Plant Height: Under 1', 1-3', 3-6', 6-12', 12- 25' Flower Color: Pink Attracts Wildlife: Hummingbirds, Butteries Leaf Color: Green Flower Season: Winter, Spring. A plant list does not take into consideration each individual site's conditions, slope, aspect, moisture, or soils, which can all influence a plant's response to fire. Along roads bamboo is a fire threat to emergency responders and evacuees. The leaves are scale-like, arranged in opposite decussate pairs, and persist for three to five years. Reduce fire danger by eliminating highly flammable plants. Firefighters have observed these plants igniting and burning during recent wildfires in northern California and Marin. The leading shoots generally droop. Sometimes this species is confused with French broom (Genista monspessulana), which has pods with hairs all over them, stems that are not ridged or green, and more than eighty-five percent of its photosynthetic tissue in leaf tissue. A pretty, fragrant groundcover and shrub that grows in Mediterranean climates. FIRESafe MARIN recommends that junipers be removed within 100' or structures and 10' (minimum) of roadways and driveways. By: Matthew Wills. But for many who reside in these regions, the threat of wildfire is very real, fueled by drought or strong winds. At the individual plant level, certain traits make plants more or less flammable. The presence of a certain species on this list does not ALWAYS mean it must be removed - FIRESafe MARIN's list is not a substitute for the eyes and experience of a professional. However, blue gum has become an undesirable species because it is invasive, displacing native plant communities; it is also a highly flammable fire hazard. Baccharis pilularis, called coyote brush (or bush), chaparral broom, and bush baccharis, is a shrub in the daisy family native to California, Oregon, Washington, and Baja California. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Highly flammable plants can ignite quickly, releasing lots of heat, even if they are healthy and well-watered. Avoid highly flammable plants in general, and be sure not to plant any near flammable structures. For example, a large-scale production site with a risk of off-site impacts may require a flammable vapour detector interlocked with an automatic shutdown system for manufacturing plant. Habitat. It is most closely related to the north temperate oaks, Quercus, and not as closely related to the Asian tropical stone oaks, Lithocarpus (where it was previously placed), but instead is an example of convergent morphological evolution. Exotic plants invading native vegetation may increase the spread of bushfires if their leaves are more flammable than native leaves. These tight masses of stems tend to accumulate lots of decay resistant, dead material and inhibit the removal of internal dead culms. There are about 60 species of Arctostaphylos, ranging from ground-hugging arctic, coastal, and mountain species to small trees up to 6 m tall. Tanoak of any age seem to prefer some shading from codominant stems within clumps. Highly flammable, non-native weed-filled landscapes that dominate places like Riverside County will likely become more common. The Fire CodeYour fire department may require removal of certain plants within 30' -100'+ of structures. 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