Plant Hardiness Zone Maps

Abstract

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which horticultural professionals and foresters can determine which plants will thrive in a given area. Hardiness Zone Maps zones are divided into 10 degree Fahrenheit zones which are based on the average annual minimum winter temperature averaged over a 30 year period. Zone maps characterize the relationship between plant survival and temperature. Project Summary Washington State faces climate change impacts that include sea level rise, temperature increases and changes in precipitation. The conservation and restoration of urban forests becomes increasingly important in addressing these changes by mitigating storm water impacts from increased precipitation, reducing temperatures, and sequestering carbon. Limited information is available to guide decisions on species selection for urban forest restoration, seed source selection and other management practices. The Green City Partnerships, with support from the US Forest Service, partnered with the University of Washington's College of the Environment to create models to inform reforestation and restoration management strategies. Download the full report at: