USDA defines Hardiness Zone 7 by its average annual minimum winter temperature of 0°F to 10°F (-17.8°C to -12.2°C). This zone spans the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Southwest, and Pacific Northwest, with subzone 7a at 0°F–5°F (-17.8°C to -15°C) and 7b at 5°F–10°F (-15°C to -12.2°C).
Zone 7 features 150–200 frost-free days annually, moderate winters, and long growing seasons. Cities in Zone 7 include Richmond, VA (7a), Nashville, TN (7a), and Oklahoma City, OK (7a). Plants suited for Zone 7 are like Crape Myrtle, Eastern Redbud, and Black-Eyed Susan, thrive here.
Known as the “transition zone”, Zone 7 sustains heat-loving plants while providing the 500–1,000 chilling hours required for deciduous trees and shrubs, like oak and maple, to break dormancy.
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USDA Planting Zone 7 Map
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Planting Zones
Planting Zones
USDA Hardiness Zone 7 is further divided into two subzones:
Zone 7a
Zone 7a features a temperature range of 0°F to 5°F (-17.8°C to -15°C) and includes regions like northern Arkansas, southern Missouri, northern Alabama, and parts of New Mexico and Arizona.
Climate characteristics include cool to cold winters, warm summers, and 20–30 annual frost events, resulting in a shorter growing season than Zone 7b. The growing season lasts 185–200 days, supporting crops like kale, spinach, and cold-hardy fruit trees.
Zone 7b
Zone 7b has a temperature range of 5°F to 10°F (-15°C to -12.2°C) and spans regions like northern Georgia, southern Tennessee, portions of Virginia, and the Pacific Northwest.
Climate characteristics feature milder winters than Zone 7a, with 10–15 annual frost events and warmer temperatures that support plants like camellias, figs, and citrus hybrids. The growing season lasts 200–215 days, ideal for heat-tolerant crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and okra.
What are the States of Zone 7 USDA Planting Zones?
Following states contain Zone 7 areas:
1. Alabama
Zone 7 in Alabama spans the northern mountainous regions, with subzone 7a (0°F–5°F / -17.8°C to -15°C) covering higher elevations like Huntsville and 7b (5°F–10°F / -15°C to -12.2°C) including lower valleys such as Florence. Plants suited for Zone 7 include Alabama croton, mountain laurel, and native azaleas.
2. Arizona
Zone 7 in Arizona covers higher elevations in northern/eastern regions, with subzone 7a (0°F–5°F / -17.8°C to -15°C) including Prescott and 7b (5°F–10°F / -15°C to -12.2°C) covering Prescott Valley. Plants thriving here include ponderosa pine, Arizona cypress, and Gambel oak.
3. Arkansas
In Arkansas zone 7 covers northern and western regions, with subzone 7a including higher elevations and northern areas like Fayetteville (7a), and 7b covering lower elevations and southern regions such as Fort Smith (7b). Plants example for this zone in Arkansas includes serviceberry, Arkansas blue star, and native ferns etc.
4. California
Zone 7 in California occurs in foothills and higher elevations, with subzone 7a (0°F–5°F / -17.8°C to -15°C) at upper elevations and 7b (5°F–10°F / -15°C to -12.2°C) in lower zones.
Some cities in this zone are parts of the Sierra Nevada foothills and certain mountain communities. This zone is good for drought-tolerant plants like manzanita, California lilac, and western redbud.
5. Colorado
Colorado’s zone 7 is limited to small areas in the western part of the state, mostly in protected valleys and lower elevations areas, with only subzone 7a present, shown as light blue color on our map above. Areas in this zone include parts of the Grand Valley near Grand Junction and suitable plants for this zone are Colorado blue spruce, Rocky Mountain juniper, and Gambel oak.
6. Connecticut
Connecticut’s zone 7 is found along the southern coast of the state, with only subzone 7a present, shown as light blue color on our map given above. This zone includes areas along Long Island Sound. Some cities in this zone are Norwalk and Bridgeport.
Some of the most suitable plants for this zone in Connecticut are mountain laurel, inkberry holly, and New England aster.
7. DC (District of Columbia)
The entire District of Columbia falls within Zone 7, specifically subzone 7a, shown as light blue color on our map above. This urban area experiences a unique microclimate influenced by the surrounding built environment and supports plants like cherry trees, American elm, and native perennials like black-eyed susan.
8. Delaware
Zone 7 covers the entire state of Delaware, subzone 7a covers the northern part of the state, and 7b covers the southern regions and coastal areas. Some cities in this zone are Wilmington (7a) and Dover (7b) and some of the most suitable plants for this zone are American holly, swamp milkweed, and beach plum.
9. Georgia
Zone 7 in Georgia covers the northern mountainous regions, with subzone 7a including higher elevations areas like Blue Ridge (7a) and 7b covering lower elevations areas and valleys such as Blairsville (7b). This zone is well-suited for plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, and oakleaf hydrangeas.
10. Idaho
Idaho’s zone 7 is limited to a small area in the western part of the state, primarily in the lower elevations of the Snake River Valley, with only subzone 7a present, shown as light blue colored areas on our map. Some cities in this zone include Lewiston and parts of Boise and supports plants like Idaho fescue, syringa (mock orange), and western serviceberry.
11. Illinois
Zone 7 in Illinois is primarily concentrated in the southern part of the state, with subzone 7a shown as light blue color and 7b as dark blue color on our USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7 Map given above. Subzone 7a covers most of the southern tip of Illinois, and 7b is limited to a small area at the extreme southern edge.
Some cities in this zone are Carbondale (7a) and Cairo (7b) and is suitable for plants like dogwood trees, black-eyed susans, and butterfly weed.
12. Indiana
Indiana’s zone 7 covers a small area in the extreme southern part of the state, with only subzone 7a present, including cities like Evansville and New Albany along the Ohio River. Plants well-suited for this zone in Indiana include redbud trees, coneflowers, and black cohosh.
13. Kansas
Zone 7 of Kansas covers the southeastern corner of the state, with only subzone 7a present, including cities like Pittsburg and Parsons along the Missouri and Arkansas borders. Plants example for this zone are bur oak, prairie blazing star, and little bluestem grass.
14. Kentucky
In Kentucky zone 7 covers most of the western and central regions, with subzone 7a having cities like Louisville and 7b found in the extreme western part, such as Paducah. Plants for this zone in Kentucky are Kentucky coffee tree, pawpaw, and American beautyberry etc.
15. Maine
Maine is primarily located in USDA Hardiness Zones 3b to 6a, with only exception of small area on Matinicus Island (zip code 04851) which is listed in Zone 7a, but this is an extremely limited and unique microclimate that isn’t representative of Maine’s overall growing conditions.
16. Maryland
Zone 7 of Maryland covers central and eastern parts of the state, with subzone 7a extending across the central region and 7b covering the eastern shore and southern areas. Subzone 7a here have cities like Frederick and Hagerstown, and 7b have Salisbury and Ocean City.
The Chesapeake Bay’s influence moderates temperatures in eastern 7b areas. Suitable plants for this zone includes American holly, southern magnolia, and various oak species.
17. Massachusetts
Massachusetts’s zone 7 is limited to a small area in the southeastern part of the state, primarily consisting of subzone 7b covering parts of Cape Cod and some of the nearby islands. Some cities and towns in this zone include Hyannis, Barnstable, and parts of Martha’s Vineyard and supports plants like – American Holly (Ilex opaca), Inkberry (Ilex glabra), Beach Plum (Prunus maritima), Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) and New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae).
18. Michigan
Michigan’s climate is generally too cold for Zone 7 as well with single location, Macatawa (zip code 49434), listed in Zone 7a, but this is very small microclimate exception rather than a significant growing area.
19. Mississippi
Mississippi’s Zone 7 spans the northern part of the state, divided into subzones 7a (northernmost counties) and 7b (southern area). Subzone 7a includes cities like Holly Springs and Corinth, while 7b encompasses Tupelo and Oxford.
The Mississippi Delta’s rich soil in Zone 7 supports diverse agriculture and ornamentals. Suitable plants include crepe myrtles, southern magnolias, and native wildflowers like purple coneflower.
20. Missouri
Missouri’s Zone 7 covers the southern part of the state, with subzone 7a covering the south-central region and 7b extending across southernmost areas. Subzone 7a includes Springfield and Joplin, while 7b encompasses Branson and Ozark regions.
The Ozark Plateau’s karst topography shapes soil conditions and creates microclimates in this zone. Suitable plants include redbud trees, black-eyed Susans, and cold-hardy fruit tree varieties like peach.
21. Nevada
Nevada’s Zone 7 occurs in limited western areas at higher elevations or sheltered valleys. Subzone 7a covers Sierra Nevada foothills sections, while 7b occupies protected valleys near Reno.
Suitable plants include drought-tolerant junipers, pines like Ponderosa, and native sagebrush species.
22. New Jersey
New Jersey’s Zone 7 spans most of the state, divided into subzone 7a (central regions) and 7b (southern coast). Subzone 7a includes Trenton and New Brunswick, while 7b covers Atlantic City and Cape May.
Suitable plants include eastern redbud, flowering dogwood, and hydrangea species like oakleaf. The Pine Barrens in southern Zone 7 host unique plant communities adapted to acidic sandy soils, including pitcher plants.
23. New Mexico
New Mexico’s Zone 7 corresponds to mid-elevation areas with moderate climate influences. Partial Zone 7 coverage occurs in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Suitable plants include piñon pines, chamisa, and yucca species like soapweed. Harsh conditions from altitude, aridity, and temperature swings necessitate native plant selection.
24. New York
Zone 7 covers southeastern New York, with subzone 7a encompassing most of Long Island and parts of New York City, while 7b includes Long Island’s southernmost tip. Cities in this zone include New York City (7a) and Southampton (7b). Three suitable plants are Japanese maple, crape myrtle, and select magnolia varieties. Urban heat islands in New York City create microclimates supporting plants from warmer zones.
25. North Carolina
Zone 7 spans North Carolina’s piedmont region, with subzone 7a in the northern piedmont and 7b covering the southern piedmont and coastal plain areas. Subzone 7a includes cities like Winston-Salem and Greensboro, while 7b contains Charlotte and Fayetteville. The zone supports azaleas, camellias, and numerous native perennials.
26. Ohio
Zone 7 covers southern Ohio, with subzone 7b (shown in light blue on our USDA map) along the Ohio River, including Chesapeake, Ironton, and Portsmouth. Suitable plants for this zone are Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), and Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia).
27. Oklahoma
Zone 7 spans eastern Oklahoma, with subzone 7a in the northeast and 7b extending south and east. Cities include Tulsa (7a) and Muskogee (7b). Suitable plants feature Oklahoma redbud, Indian blanket, and prairie zinnia.
28. Oregon
Zone 7 occupies northeastern Oregon, with subzone 7a in the Blue Mountains and Columbia Plateau, and 7b in lower elevations. Cities include Pendleton (7a) and Milton-Freewater (7b). Suitable plants include Oregon sunshine, Pacific ninebark, and blue elderberry.
29. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Zone 7 spans the southeastern corner, divided into subzone 7a (lower Susquehanna Valley, Piedmont) and 7b (Philadelphia, Delaware River Valley). Example of cities in this zone are Lancaster (7a) and Philadelphia (7b). The zone supports plants like Pennsylvania sedge, New England aster, and Eastern white pine.
30. Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s Zone 7 occupies coastal southern areas and Block Island, moderated by the Atlantic Ocean. Key regions include Newport and Block Island. The zone hosts coastal-adapted plants like beach plum, New England aster, and seaside goldenrod.
31. Tennessee
Zone 7 of Tennessee covers central and eastern regions, with subzone 7a covering areas in the Cumberland Plateau and parts of East Tennessee, and 7b covering regions in Middle Tennessee and the Tennessee Valley. Some cities in this zone include Knoxville (7a) and Nashville (7b) that supports plants like Tennessee coneflower, oakleaf hydrangea, and Southern magnolia.
32. Texas
Zone 7 of Texas (Temperature Zones) covers a narrow band in the northern part of the state, with subzone 7a shown as light blue color and 7b as slightly darker blue color on our USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map given above. Subzone 7a covers areas around Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle, and 7b includes regions slightly south and east of 7a. Some cities in this zone include Amarillo (7a) and Canyon (7b). Some of the most suitable drought-tolerant plants for this zone are Texas sage, Black-eyed Susan, and Turk’s cap.
33. Utah
Utah’s zone 7 is limited to small areas in the southern part of the state, subzone 7a covers areas in higher elevations of southern Utah, and 7b covers regions in lower elevations and warmer microclimates. Cities in this zone includes like Cedar City (7a) and St. George (7b) with plants like Utah serviceberry, desert marigold, and firecracker penstemon.
34. Virginia
Virginia’s zone 7 covers a large part of the state, stretching from the central regions to the western mountains. Subzone 7a covers areas in the Shenandoah Valley and parts of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and 7b includes regions in central Virginia and the eastern foothills. Some cities in this zone are Roanoke (7a) and Charlottesville (7b) and supports plants like Virginia bluebells, Eastern redbud, and American beautyberry.
35. Washington
Washington zone 7 is concentrated in the southeastern part of the state, with subzone 7a covering areas in the Columbia Basin, and 7b covering regions along the Snake River and parts of the Walla Walla Valley. It includes cities like Yakima (7a) and Walla Walla (7b) and supports plants like Pacific dogwood, Oregon grape, and vine maple.
36. West Virginia
Zone 7 in West Virginia covers the western and southern portions of the state, Subzone 7a covers areas in the Ohio River Valley and parts of the Allegheny Plateau, and 7b includes regions in the southern counties. Some cities in this zone include Huntington (7a) and Charleston (7b). Most suitable plants for this zone in West Virginia are mountain laurel, rhododendron, and flowering dogwood.