Drought- and Fire-Resistant Plants

Cultivate a space that can hold up in the Texas heat.

Published June 16, 2026

Texas is famous for long droughts and extreme heat, but there’s no need to write off your trees, shrubs, and other plants. In fact, they can prove key allies in safeguarding your home. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, most Texas wildfires now occur within 2 miles of a community rather than in rural areas, as was the case historically. Water-efﬁcient trees and shrubs can save money and time, stop the spread of wildﬁre.

Landscaping Your Drought-Friendly Yard

While no ﬁreproof plants exist, ﬁre-resistant plants are slower to ignite when exposed to intense heat.

One of the main characteristics of ﬁre-resistant plants is high moisture content. Many also tend to have deeper root systems, habits than those of highly flammable plants. Plants that don’t “shed” much (allowing dead leaves or petals to accumulate) or contain high levels of resin or oil are also more fire-resistant.

Native plants are more likely to thrive in Texas, doing well even when conditions are very hot and dry, because they evolved speciﬁcally for the area. Using native plants when possible can help make your property more drought-tolerant.

Of course, when it comes to avoiding ﬁre, it’s not just what you plant that matters but where you plant it. Keeping at least 3 feet of physical space between your plants and home (or carport, siding, deck, etc.) is key. Breaking up the yard with nonflammable “hardscape,” such as rocks or gravel, can limit the spread of potential fires.

Regularly maintaining your plants can also prevent the spread of ﬁre. Keep leaves and other debris from accumulating on the ground. Trim lower tree branches so they don’t create “ladder fuels” that allow ﬁre to climb into the canopy. Pruning dead limbs from trees and shrubs keeps them looking nice while removing fuel sources.

Plants That Can Handle Heat

Little bluestem: This ornamental prairie bunchgrass can reach 5 feet or higher and tolerates drought like a champ. A beautiful mahogany color appears in the fall and remains for most of the winter.

Blackfoot daisy: Tough, flowering, and bushy, the plant produces slender leaves and white, honey-scented blooms.

Purple coneflower: This showy, easy-to-grow perennial is reliably drought-tolerant once its deep roots have been established.

Autumn sage: This flowering shrub with minty evergreen leaves is beautiful even in intense summers. It also attracts hummingbirds.

Flame acanthus: For a pop of color, plant this visually striking, low-maintenance spreading shrub with long, ﬁery ﬂowers. Exceptionally heat- and drought-tolerant, it’s a great option to plant near homes.

Texas sage: This lovely silvery shrub makes a great hedge and blooms with bright purple or pink flowers from spring until fall.

Red yucca: This leafy plant with a short, woody base needs almost no watering once established. Its supple leaves hold moisture well, which is a great quality for a fire-resistant landscape.

Gulf muhly grass: Another great drought-tolerant native grass, this soft ornamental beauty takes on a deep blush in autumn, like ﬂuffy pink feathers.

Rattlesnake master: Plant this spiky prairie native in places you don’t want kids or pets wandering — it’s as uncomfortable and unwelcoming as it is gorgeous.

Texas redbud: This beautiful tree offers natural shade while tolerating drought much better than most. Pollinators and bloom in spring.

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