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Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Understanding USDA Plant Hardiness Zones

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map helps gardeners determine which perennial plants are most likely to survive winter in their area. Each growing zone is based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature for that location.

The current 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map uses weather data from 1991–2020. The country is divided into 10°F zones, with each zone further divided into 5°F half-zones labeled “a” and “b.”

Knowing your growing zone makes it easier to choose plants suited for your winters. It can also help you understand whether certain plants may grow as annuals or perennials in your area.

Why Your Growing Zone Matters

At Plant Addicts, we list the recommended growing zones for each plant whenever possible. Before ordering a perennial, shrub, tree, or other cold-hardy plant, compare your zone with the plant's recommended zone range.

Hardiness zones are a guide rather than a guarantee. Snow cover, wind exposure, elevation, nearby buildings, urban heat, and other microclimates can make one garden warmer or colder than another nearby.

How To Use Your Growing Zone

1. Find Your Zone

Use the ZIP code finder above to identify your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone.

2. Check The Plant

Look for the growing-zone range listed on each Plant Addicts product page.

3. Plan For Winter

Plants rated for your zone are better suited to withstand the typical winter cold in your area.

4. Consider Your Yard

Sun, soil, drainage, wind and protected areas can all influence how well a plant performs.

Average First & Last Frost Dates By Growing Zone

Frost dates are general estimates and are not what determines your USDA hardiness zone. Actual frost dates can vary considerably by location, elevation, weather patterns, and local microclimates.

Growing Zone Average Last Spring Frost Average First Fall Frost
Zone 1 May 22 – June 4 August 25 – 31
Zone 2 May 15 – 22 September 1 – 8
Zone 3 May 1 – 16 September 8 – 15
Zone 4 April 24 – May 12 September 21 – October 7
Zone 5 April 7 – 30 October 13 – 21
Zone 6 April 1 – 21 October 17 – 31
Zone 7 March 22 – April 3 October 29 – November 15
Zone 8 March 13 – 28 November 7 – 28
Zone 9 February 6 – 28 November 25 – December 13
Zones 10–13 Often frost-free Often frost-free

USDA Growing Zone Temperature Guide

USDA zones are based on average annual extreme minimum winter temperatures. A higher zone number generally means a warmer winter climate.

Each full zone is divided into an “a” and “b” half-zone representing 5°F temperature increments.

States By USDA Growing Zone

Most states contain more than one growing zone because winter temperatures vary by latitude, elevation and local geography. Use the ZIP code finder above for your specific location rather than relying on the state list alone.

Zone 1
Alaska
Zone 2
Alaska
Zone 3
Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Zone 4

Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Shop Zone 4 Plants
Zone 5

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Shop Zone 5 Plants
Zone 6

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming

Shop Zone 6 Plants
Zone 7

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia

Shop Zone 7 Plants
Zone 8

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington

Shop Zone 8 Plants
Zone 9

Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington

Shop Zone 9 Plants
Zone 10

Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Nevada, Texas

Shop Zone 10 Plants
Zone 11
California, Florida, Hawaii
Zone 12
Hawaii
Zone 13
Hawaii

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a plant hardiness zone?
A plant hardiness zone is based on the coldest temperature your area typically reaches in winter. It helps determine which perennials, shrubs, and trees are likely to survive in your area year after year.
What do "a" and "b" mean in plant hardiness zones?
Each USDA hardiness zone is divided into two 5°F half-zones. The "a" half is colder, while the "b" half is warmer.
Can I grow plants outside my hardiness zone?
Plants rated for colder zones will usually grow well in your area. Plants rated for warmer zones may need extra winter protection, such as a sheltered location, heavy mulch, or growing them in a container that can be moved indoors. In colder climates, some plants can also be grown as annuals.
Did my USDA growing zone change?
It may have. The 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map placed many areas of the United States about half a zone warmer than the previous 2012 map. Enter your ZIP code in the tool above to find your current growing zone.
Does my hardiness zone tell me when to plant?
No. USDA hardiness zones measure winter cold, not the length of your growing season. Use your local average first and last frost dates to help determine the best time to plant.
Do hardiness zones matter for container plants?
Yes. Plant roots in containers are more exposed to cold temperatures than roots planted in the ground. If containers will stay outdoors through winter, choosing plants rated one to two zones colder than your location can provide an extra margin of winter protection.

Sources

  1. U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service. 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/
  2. PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University. Climate mapping and temperature data used in development of the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
  3. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Centers for Environmental Information. Historical freeze and frost-date climate data.
  4. Soil temperature and local climate data from external weather and climate data providers used by the Plant Addicts growing zone tool.