I'd suggest that Coast Live Oaks/Quercus agrifolia is among the best evergreen trees for fire zones in California, as they resist fire better than almost any other native tree besides Coast Redwoods/Sequoia sempervirens, which does not do well in southern California with the smog, heat and low humidity during Santa Ana wind conditions. Another relatively fire resistant tree to consider would be Cork Oak/Quercus suber, and Marina Madrone/Arubutus 'Marina'. Palms such as Brahea armata, Brahea edulis, Butia capitata would also be relatively fire resistant, if the old dry fronds are regularly pruned off. Tree Aloes such as Aloe bainsii, or Cordyline australis, or Dracena draco/Dragon tree would also be good fire resistant trees. Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman' is not really a fire resistant species, nor does it do well in hot, southern California conditions, as it prefers more cool, humid coastal conditions. Any type of tree that is resinous is prone to spreading fires, and this would include all Cypress, Pine, Juniper species, including Italian Cypress and Hollywood Junipers. Fire safe plantings also presume keeping a certain distance between structures and large trees. I'd advise that you don't ignore the safety recommendations of your local fire district, even if it does conflict with blocking unsightly views of neighbors. I'd also strongly suggest that you consider using a swimming pool as a source of water for roof top fire sprinklers, and a generator to pump and power such a system in case of fires. Also avoid wood decks, exposed wood rafters, and utilize masonry walls and concrete or masonry paving to create a clear zone nearer the house, which can't burn.

Check with a succulent wholesaler/dealer, local cactus/succulent club, maybe ask the succulent/cactus curator at the Huntington if he knows of any dealers, or ask California Cactus Center in Rosemead if they know of anyone, palm tree wholesalers might be another angle, as they will dig and remove valuable specimen palms for resale--dragon trees are not that far from palms. Dracena dracos are pretty fashionable right now. Thing must weight tons, though. I wonder how they transplant. Must be magnificent, would love to see a photo.

I had no idea these plants were so expensive. I am raising them from seed to hopefully plant around some property  they are a beautiful tree. The nice thing about these trees is they can live a long time; I have read about 4000 years. Because they are in the agave family or related to the agave they should be easy to maintain. Your link did not work, but these trees are in some California parks & are fairly common in the desert gardens of botanic parks. Mine are still at the seedling to 1 year old stage. I have noticed they do not like sand. I have some in soil & some in peat  the ones I have not taken out of peat yet are doing the best. Like Alejandro1 said they do have medicinal qualities. I have medical books from the 1600Âs which speak of the use of this tree.

Hi Gill, sorry I didn't get back sooner.. I forgot to measure my Draco, so just hauled it downstairs..From the bottom of pot to top leaf, it stands 41"..The Draco is older than I anticipated..bought in 1996 at a Flower & Garden show. But, I'm devestated..While measuring, I noticed its trunk has some type of rotted?, chewed-up looking mess..It's not an insect..wonder what the he** that's about. I don't know what to do??? Any advice? I haven't dwelt with plants suffering fungal/bacteria..DArn, wish I could post a pic here..maybe someone can diagnose so my draco can be treated if it's not too late. Oh I too love buying, what I call, 'Dead Cart' at stores where employees dump 'not-so-healthy-looking' plants in carts...I've found plants as low as .10 each including a perrenial Bleeding Heart..bought 2 at .20 plus tax, can't forget tax..lol..It's one of the first flowering perrenial bushes that sprout in spring. I've also purchased plenty of tropicals/succulents via 'dead carts' in your case, trolleys? I agree starting plants from seed/cuttings or rescues are dearest. Think I mentioned, plants such as Citrus, Hibiscus and Gardenia do best when older, shaped as trees. Since I have no idea how grafting is done, (if you want citrus to produce before retirement) it's best buying a grafted citrus. I also prefer trees to bushes, (the 3 latter plants.)as far as appearance and space issues. But 95% of my collection was started as babies. Little guys. BTW, have you ever seen a mature Draco? There's a picture @ www.wikipedia.com They're beautiful. Is foliage on your dracos stiff or do tips hang a bit? Medium to large seed should be soaked at least 24 hours for quicker germination. So, whatever you did and doing, especially since your seeds germinated and others didnt, well you're doing something right.. I noticed a huge difference soaking Morning Glory seeds opposed to those that hadn't been pre-soaked... took much longer to sprout. Same w/Clivia seeds, which are quite large. What other plants have you grown from seed? Do you know anything about berrys from Foxtail ferns/A. meyerii? A relative of Asparagus/Plumosis...the berrys, hundreds, have turned from white to green to red...deep red. Thanks, Toni