Fire-resistant plant profiles: Trees

Acer ginnala

Small tree or large shrub with irregular growth habit and excellent red fall color. Good choice for a small area. A subspecies of Tatarian maple. Varieties include ‘Beethoven’, ‘Flame’, ‘Red November’ and ‘Mozart’.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade

Height: 15–20 feet

Spread: 15–20 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 2–8

Fall color: red

Acer grandidentatum

A small, multi-stemmed tree or large shrub. Found at elevations 4,000–7,000 feet in the Intermountain West. Adapted to both moist and dry sites. A. grandidentatum ‘Schmidt’ and ‘Hipzam’ are popular selections.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to birds
• Deer-resistant

Height: 20-30 feet

Spread: 15-20 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 3–8

Fall color: yellow, orange, red

Acer macrophyllum

A large shade tree with large, glossy, green leaves changing to yellow in the fall. Often found near streambanks and prefers a cool, moist environment. Adaptable west of the Cascades.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 30–75 feet

Spread: 30–50 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 5–8

Fall color: yellow

Acer rubrum or Acer x freemanii (red maple hybrids)

Nice pyramidal to oval growth habit, depending on variety. Provide excellent red fall color. Need sufficient water to become established or can die back. Once established, red maples are an excellent addition to the landscape. Popular cultivars include ‘Armstrong’, ‘Bowhall’ Red Sunset^® and October Glory^®. Freeman maple types include Celebration^® and Autumn Blaze^®.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Deer-resistant

Height: 30–50 feet

Spread: 20–30 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 3–9

Fall color: red

Acer saccharum

Upright-oval to rounded growth habit. May not be as adaptable in the Pacific Northwest as other maples. Fall color, although not as showy as in the northeastern U.S., can be beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow. Varieties include ‘Commemoration’ (more upright growth habit) and ‘Green Mountain’ (more broad growth habit).

• Moderate water use
• Full sun
• Deer-resistant

Height: 30–45 feet

Spread: 20–30 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 4–8

Fall color: red, orange, yellow

Aesculus x carnea

A non-invasive hybrid between A. hippocastanum (common horsechestnut) and A. pavia (red buckeye). A large shade tree with a dense, rounded growth habit, attractive pink flowers and spiny fruits poisonous to horses, dogs and cats. Selections include ‘Briotii’ and ‘Fort McNair’. Attracts hummingbirds. Avoid planting invasive species A. hippocastanum (common horsechestnut).

• Moderate water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to birds, bees and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant

Height: 30–40 feet

Spread: 25-35 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 4–9

Flowers: red to pink

Bloom time: May

Fall color: gold to brown

Alnus rubra

Red alder is also known as Oregon alder. Alder is a deciduous tree with an open, conical growth habit and spreading branches. Often found in wet areas. Dark-green foliage and smooth, light-gray bark. Adaptable west of the Cascades.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 45–50 feet

Spread: 20–30 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 5–8

Fall color: yellow

Alnus tenuifolia

Grown as a small tree or multi-stemmed shrub. Dull green foliage and very cold-hardy. Often found near water and can work well in difficult wet sites. This species is more fire-resistant than other Alnus.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 20–25 feet

Spread: 15–20 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 5–8

Fall color: yellow

Amelanchier species

A multi-stemmed shrub or tree that bears white flowers in spring followed by edible, purplish-black fruit. Excellent fall colors of red-orange. Tree form varieties include ‘Autumn Brilliance’, ‘Princess Diana’, ‘Robin Hill’ and ‘Spring Flurry^®. A. laevis (Allegheny serviceberry) can also be used. See shrub section for list of native shrub forms.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to birds, bees and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant

Height: 20–25 feet

Spread: 10–15 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 4–8

Fall color: red–orange

Betula species

An ornamental tree with bright-green foliage that changes to yellow in fall. Several varieties have interesting bark texture and are known for their distinct white bark. Some species are highly susceptible to an insect called the bronze birch borer, especially in drier regions. Bronze birch borer-resistant varieties include B. nigra (river birch), ‘Heritage’ and ‘Whitespire Senior’. Avoid planting invasive species B. pendula (European birch).

• Moderate water use
• Full sun

Height: 30–40 feet

Spread: 20–30 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 2–9

Fall color: yellow

Catalpa speciosa

A large shade tree with green, heart-shaped leaves and attractive, creamy-white, orchidlike flowers followed by long, thin seed pods. May be on watch list in areas of Idaho. Check the Invasive Plant Atlas in “Resources” and avoid planting in areas noted.

• Low water use
• Full sun

Height: 40–50 feet

Spread: 20–25 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 4–8

Flowers: white

Bloom time: May–June

Fall color: yellow to brown

Celtis occidentalis

A large shade tree with light-green leaves and interesting corky bark. Drought tolerant and adaptable to a wide array of growing conditions. Flowers are not showy.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to birds, bees and other pollinators

Height: 40–50 feet

Spread: 35–40 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 2–9

Fall color: yellow

Cercis canadensis

An attractive, small ornamental tree with showy, pink, pealike blooms in early spring. Green, heart-shaped leaves change to yellow in fall. California or Western redbud (C. occidentalis) is also fire-resistant but less hardy. Varieties include ‘Covey’, ‘Forest Pansy’, ‘The Rising Sun’ and many others. Attracts hummingbirds.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to birds, bees and other pollinators

Height: 20–30 feet

Spread: 15–20 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 4–9

Flowers: pink

Bloom time: March–April

Fall color: yellow

Cornus florida

A small, ornamental shrub with showy pink, reddish or white “flower” bracts and an open, low-branching, irregular growth habit. Several varieties available, including ‘Rubra’, ‘Cherokee Chief’ and Cherokee Brave™. Native species C. nuttallii (Pacific dogwood) is adaptable west of the Cascades but can be difficult to grow in urban landscapes.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to pollinators
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 20–30 feet

Spread: 15–20 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 5–9

Flowers: pink, red, white

Bloom time: April–June

Fall color: red, orange, yellow

Cotinus coggygria

A large shrub or small tree that has unique foliage. Hairy flowers produce showy “plumes of smoke” late in the season. The purple leaf varieties are particularly striking. Cultivars include ‘Royal Purple’ and ‘Ancot’ (Golden Spirit^®), which has lime-green leaves.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to butterflies, bees and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant

Height: 10–15 feet

Spread: 10–15 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 4–8

Flowers: yellow or pink

Bloom time: June–August

Fall color: yellow, red, purple

Crataegus species

Small ornamental tree with single or multiple stems, white or red flowers, and showy fruit that attracts birds. Some varieties are thornless. Species and cultivars include C. douglasii (black hawthorn, native), C. lavallei (Lavalle hawthorn) and C. laevigata (English hawthorn) ‘Crimson Cloud’ and ‘Paul’s Scarlet’. Avoid planting invasive species C. monogyna (one-seed hawthorn) and C. phaenopyrum (Washington hawthorn).

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 15–20 feet

Spread: 10–15 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 4–7

Flowers: white, red

Bloom time: May–June

Fall color: bronze, gold

Fagus sylvatica

A large, slow-growing shade tree with a densely pyramidal to rounded growth habit. Lustrous, dark-green leaves in summer. Can have a broad, wide growth habit or weeping form. Flowers are not showy. Cultivars include ‘Purple Fountain’, ‘Tricolor’ and ‘Riversii’.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun
• Deer-resistant

Height: 25–60 feet

Spread: 15–45 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 4–7

Fall color: golden bronze

Frangula purshiana

Grows as a small tree or multi-stemmed shrub. Has unique ribbed leaves and smooth gray bark with chalky white patches. Flowers are insignificant.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to birds
• Deer-resistant
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 15–30 feet

Spread: 10–15 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 3-8

Fall color: yellow, orange, red

Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis. cvs

The fine leaves provide a filtered shade environment. Many thornless and seedless cultivars are available in various sizes and growth habits. Keep healthy to avoid insects and disease. Flowers not showy. Cultivars include Skyline^®, ‘Shademaster’, Imperial^® and Sunburst^®.

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to bees and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant

Height: 35–40 feet

Spread: 30–50 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 3–9

Fall color: yellow

Gymnocladus dioicus

A large shade tree for large areas. Leaves are dark green in summer. Female trees produce large seed pods that have toxic properties, so male trees are more commonly sold. Adapted to a wide range of soils and climate. Flowers are not showy. Male cultivars include Espresso™.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun
• Deer-resistant

Height: 40–50 feet

Spread: 30–40 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 3–8

Fall color: yellow

Juglans species

A large tree with spreading growth habit. The leaves are divided, giving a featherlike appearance. Some species provide edible nuts. J. nigra (black walnut) is a prime timber tree. Flowers are not showy.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun

Height: 40–60+ feet

Spread: 30–50 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 4–9

Fall color: yellow

Liquidambar styraciflua

A large shade tree with a unique green leaf and yellow, red or purple fall color. Seedpods are spiked and may be a nuisance in the landscape. Remove fallen seed pods annually. ‘Rotundiloba’ and Happidaze ™ are fruitless varieties. ‘Worplesdon’ and ‘Slender Silhouette’ are popular varieties. Flowers are not showy.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun
• Deer-resistant

Height: 60–75 feet

Spread: 20–25 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 5–9

Fall color: red, yellow, purple

Malus species

Restrictions on planting crabapples may apply in fruit-tree growing regions of the Pacific Northwest. These trees have beautiful spring flowers in rose, pink, red and white. They offer different growth habits and can feature green or purplish foliage. They also provide ornamental fruit and fall color. Some are fruitless. Varieties include ‘Adirondack’, Golden Raindrops^®, Lollipop™, Prairiefire, ‘Profusion’ ‘Red Baron’, Royal Raindrops^®, Sargent, Show Time™, ‘Snowdrift’ and ‘Spring Snow’ (fruitless). Avoid planting potentially invasive M. floribunda (Japanese crabapple).

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators

Height: 15–20 feet

Spread: 15–20 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 4–8

Flowers: rose, pink, red, white

Bloom time: April–May

Fall color: several

Platanus racemosa

A large, fast-growing tree with large, dark-green leaves and flaking bark in shades of white, brown and gray. Typically has a multi-stem trunk. Best used in areas that allow for mature size. Flowers are not showy. Native to wet areas. Round fruit can be a nuisance.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to butterflies

Height: 40–80 feet

Spread: 50–70 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 7–9

Fall color: yellow, orange, brown

Populus tremuloides

Attractive light-colored bark and trembling green leaves make this a popular tree. This tree will sucker and produce groves near where they are planted. Suckers will come up in beds and turfgrass, so plan accordingly. Yellow-orange fall color. Adaptable to both wet and dry soils. Susceptible to disease and insects in an urban environment. Cultivars include ‘Erecta’, which has an upright, columnar growth habit and orange-yellow fall color. Flowers are not showy. Native stands provide habitat for native bees.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to bees
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 30–40 feet

Spread: 12–15 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 1–8

Fall color: yellow, orange

Prunus virginiana

A medium-sized tree to large shrub with green leaves and white flowers, followed by edible purple fruits that can be used for jams, jellies and wines. Will produce some suckers at the base of the tree. A popular cultivar in landscapes is ‘Schubert’ grown for its maroon summer foliage.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 20–30 feet

Spread: 15–20 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 2–6

Flowers: white

Bloom time: April–May

Fall color: yellow

Quercus garryana

Known for its twisting limbs, this large shade tree has dark, glossy, green leaves that change to reddish brown in fall. Adapted west of the Cascades. Flowers are not showy.

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to pollinators
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 40–90 feet

Spread: 30–60 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 6–9

Fall color: Yellow-brown

Quercus palustris

A fast-growing oak with dark-green, bristly leaves and lower, pendulous branches. Young trees have a pyramidal growth habit, but form becomes more open and rounded as trees mature. Prefers acidic soils. Flowers not showy.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun
• Deer-resistant

Height: 50–70 feet

Spread: 25–40 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 4–8

Fall color: Red to brown

Quercus rubra

One of the faster growing oaks, good for a large area. Dark-green summer leaves have pointed lobes. Nice fall colors of red, orange and brown. Flowers not showy.

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Deer-resistant

Height: 60–75 feet

Spread: 40–50 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 4–8

Fall color: red

Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Purple Robe’

An upright tree with attractive, fragrant, purple flowers. Yellow fall color. Very adaptable tree in tough environments. Branches may break in high winds due to branch angles. Sold as thornless but may develop some thorns over time. Avoid planting invasive species R. pseudoacacia (black locust).

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to bees and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant

Height: 30–40 feet

Spread: 20–30 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 3–8

flowers: purple

Bloom time: May–June

Fall color: yellow

Syringa reticulata

Bears fragrant creamy-white flowers in early summer. ‘Ivory Silk’ has a compact oval growth habit and is a good choice for a fire-wise landscape. Other varieties include ‘Chantilly Lace’, ‘Regent’, and ‘Summer Snow’.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant

Height: 15–20 feet

Spread: 10–12 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 4–7

Flowers: creamy white

Bloom time: June- July

Fall color: yellow