Yellow Hardy Ice Plant

## Landscape value Yellow hardy ice plant (*Delosperma nubigenum*) is a low, spreading succulent groundcover with fleshy green foliage and yellow daisy-like flowers. It suits a sunny rock garden or dry, well-drained planting bed where it can spread over open soil. [Conservation Garden Park](https://conservationgardenpark.jvwcd.gov/plants/325/yellow-hardy-ice-plant/) lists this exact species and describes summer flowers. ## Size and growing conditions The Utah garden lists approximately 2 inches tall and 24 inches wide, full sun, zones 4–8 and low irrigation once established. Provide sharp drainage, especially in winter, and water new plants while they establish. The [Colorado guide](https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/CSFS_CSU-Ext_Fact-Sheets_IRLP_2025_081825-2_web_accessible.pdf) lists roughly 6 inches tall and medium-to-high water for its rated entry; adjust irrigation to local conditions and the source being followed. ## Firewise placement and maintenance [USU Extension](https://extension.usu.edu/forestry/publications/utah-forest-facts/002-firewise-plants-for-utah-landscapes) lists this species and other iceplants. Colorado rates this exact species 10 for ignitability in its 2025 guide; [University of Nevada Extension](https://extension.unr.edu/publication.aspx?PubID=4762) includes it in a compilation of plant choices for high fire hazard areas. Follow each source's local placement, water and maintenance conditions; a listing does not guarantee fire safety. Remove dead leaves and stems and keep plantings maintained. ## FireSmart BC placement The [FireSmart BC plant chart](https://firesmartbc.ca/landscaping-hub/fire-resistant-plants/) lists Delosperma nubigenum: Intermediate. Follow its placement and maintenance guidance. ## Utah — source scope and conditions (2026 audit) The [USU 2018 guide](https://extension.usu.edu/forestry/files/resources/firewise-landscaping-updated-2018.pdf), printed page 18, lists Delosperma nubigenum (yellow) & other Delosperma species as Hardy Ice Plant. The guide calls for adequate irrigation, separated planting beds and annual clipping and removal of dead stems and litter. The row is starred as potentially weedy. The separate [USU Firewise fact sheet](https://extension.usu.edu/forestry/publications/utah-forest-facts/002-firewise-plants-for-utah-landscapes) lists Delosperma nubigenum. Its row conditions are: Also other iceplants; very drought tolerant; low growing. These are distinct source associations and placement conditions, not an independent fire-performance test of every species, hybrid or cultivar. Check local suitability, invasive-plant guidance, spacing, irrigation and removal of dead material. No plant is fireproof. ## Inland West — source row reconciliation PDF page 18 (printed 16), General list: “Delosperma nubigenum” / “hardy ice plant”. Exact source species or reconciled historical spelling/synonym; unselected record used. ## Inland West — 2005 source scope and care The [University of Idaho Station Bulletin 67, January 2005](https://www.uwyo.edu/barnbackyard/_files/documents/resources/mullenfire/protectinghomeswildfire.pdf) includes this taxon in its plant suggestions. The publication says the list is not exhaustive and no plant is fireproof; pruning, watering, plant condition and landscape arrangement matter more than selection alone. Choose for slope, aspect, hardiness and rainfall, and keep this association separate from numerical Idaho BLM scores and other regional ratings. Its landscape guidance describes a treated landscape extending at least 100 feet from the home, with greater distances on steep or windy sites. Separate tree crowns by 10–15 feet; keep foundation plantings low, well watered and free of dead material, eliminate ladder fuels and use separated planting groups with nonflammable breaks. Maintain irrigation, trim turf and remove dry debris. The same species can behave differently with water stress or accumulated dead growth; verify current local guidance and suitability.