Shoot flammability patterns among plant species of the wildland–urban interface in the fire-prone Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area

Background Mitigation of wildfires at the wildland–urban interface (WUI) will be enhanced by understanding flammability plants growing in this zone.Aims We aimed to: (1) compare shoot among wildland native, and both urban native exotic ornamental plants; (2) quantify relationships between traits flammability; (3) establish scores to distinguish low- from high-flammability species.Methods Flammability field-collected shoots were measured quantified 44 species Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Australia.Key results In our study area, less flammable than plants. Slow-igniting had high fuel moisture bulk density; short-burning low density volume; recording maximum temperatures moisture, with biomass consumed flames volume. Our novel distinguished low-flammability (e.g. Lophostemon confertus) Callistemon citrinus).Conclusions implications Low-flammability plantings WUI should preferably use given potential ecological impacts exotics. suggest that future work seek identify broader suites species.