Succulent leaves store water, making them perfect for dry areas. Over 420 aloe vera species have vibrant green and gentle blue leaves that are lovely year-round.
Russian sage helps hot, sunny pathways, walkway borders, and roadside "hell strips" burnproof. Since it produces oils, this herbaceous perennial should be 20-30 feet from structures.
Another fragrant, drought-tolerant, low-fire-risk plant is lavender. These herbaceous perennials flourish in dry environments but don't catch fire in summer smoke.
Fire-resistant yarrow has feathery, drought-tolerant foliage. Beautiful umbel-shaped flower clusters attract helpful insects on this native perennial that grows practically everywhere in the US.