USDA zone 8 Map with its 25 states

USDA Zone 8 has average annual minimum winter temperatures of 10°F to 20°F (-12.2°C to -6.7°C), with mild winters, rare freezes, and a 270-day growing season from early March to late November.

Geographically, Zone 8 spans regions like the southeastern United States (e.g., Texas, Georgia), the Pacific Northwest (e.g., Washington, Oregon), and the southwestern United States (e.g., Arizona, New Mexico).

Zone 8 supports many plant species, including subtropical varieties like citrus trees and camellias, ideal for diverse crops and ornamental gardening. The last spring frost typically ends by March 15, and the first fall frost begins around November 20.

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USDA Planting Zone 8 Map

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Zone 8 is divided into subzones 8a and 8b, each with specific temperature ranges and growing conditions.

Zone 8a

USDA Zone 8a has average annual minimum winter temperatures of 10°F to 15°F (-12.2°C to -9.4°C). This area usually has:

• Mild winters with 3-5 frost events annually and rare snowfall (under 1 inch)
• Hot summers (average highs of 95°F/35°C in southern regions like Texas)
• 240-270 day growing season from early March to late November.

Geographically, Zone 8a spans southern U.S. states, including Texas (e.g., Dallas), Oklahoma (e.g., Tulsa), Arkansas (e.g., Little Rock), and Louisiana (e.g., Baton Rouge).

Zone 8b

USDA Zone 8b has average annual minimum winter temperatures of 15°F to 20°F (-9.4°C to -6.7°C). This area offers:

• Mild winters with 5–10 annual frost events, significantly fewer than Zone 8a
• Hot summers (average highs of 95°F/35°C in southern regions like Texas)
• Longer growing season, often from late February to early December, typically 260-290 days

Zone 8b covers parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and sections of Oregon and Washington. It also includes small areas of Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada.

Main differences between 8a and 8b are winter temperature extremes and frost frequency. Zone 8b generally allows a longer growing season and supports some more cold-sensitive plants than 8a. Both areas suit many plants, including vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals that do well in mild winter conditions.

What are the States of Zone 8 USDA Planting Zones?

1. Alabama

Alabama zone 8 covers central (8a) and southern (8b) regions. Birmingham sits in 8a, Mobile and Gulf Coast in 8b. Crape myrtles, southern magnolias, and oaks grow well here. 8b supports more subtropical plants due to milder winters.

2. Arizona

Zone 8 in Arizona appears in scattered areas statewide, with subzones 8a and 8b at higher elevations or in specific microclimates moderating desert extremes. Suitable plants: certain oak species, junipers, drought-resistant perennials like desert marigold, Mexican hat, and Arizona cypress.

3. Arkansas

Arkansas zone 8 covers southern parts. Little Rock is in 8a, while southernmost regions bordering Louisiana fall in 8b. Dogwoods, redbuds, and fruit trees thrive here.

4. California

Zone 8 in California occurs in scattered areas statewide, with subzones 8a and 8b in various microclimates, including Central Valley parts and some coastal areas. Suitable plants: Mediterranean species, citrus trees in protected areas, drought-resistant plants like California lilac, manzanita, and certain lavender varieties.

5. Delaware

Zone 8 in Delaware exists in a small southern area, with subzone 8a including coastal areas and Delaware Bay regions. Suitable plants: crape myrtles, certain fig varieties, ornamental shrubs like butterfly bush, abelia, and nandina.

6. District of Columbia (DC)

Zone 8 in DC covers entire urban area, with subzone 8a including whole city influenced by its unique microclimate and urban heat island effect. Suitable plants: ornamental trees like cherry blossoms, perennials and shrubs such as black-eyed susans, coneflowers, and hydrangeas.

7. Florida

Florida’s zone 8 occupies northernmost areas. Tallahassee and parts of Florida Panhandle are in 8b. Southern magnolias, live oaks, and cold-hardy palms like needle and windmill varieties grow well, tolerating occasional freezing temperatures.

8. Georgia

Georgia zone 8 spans central, eastern (8a), and southern coastal areas (8b). Atlanta falls in 8a, Savannah in 8b. Annual minimum winter temperatures range 10°F to 20°F (-12.2°C to -6.7°C), 8b being warmer. Azaleas, camellias, and magnolias thrive here, among other ornamental and agricultural species.

9. Louisiana

Zone 8 includes most of Louisiana. Shreveport falls in 8a, while Baton Rouge is in 8b. Camellias, azaleas, and fig varieties flourish in this zone.

10. Maryland

Zone 8 in Maryland covers eastern shore and southern coastal areas, with subzone 8a including Chesapeake Bay regions and Atlantic coast. Suitable plants: camellias, certain holly varieties, ornamental grasses like pampas grass, fountain grass, and blue fescue.

11. Mississippi

Zone 8 spans central and southern regions. Subzone 8a extends across central Mississippi, while 8b covers southern portion including Gulf Coast. Suitable plants: Loblolly Pine, Live Oak, Hydrangea cultivars, peaches, and figs thriving in warm climates and long growing seasons.

12. Missouri

Zone 8 covers a small area in Missouri’s southeastern corner, with subzone 8a including the “bootheel” region in the Mississippi River Delta. Plants suitable for this zone include azaleas, camellias, some fig varieties, cotton, and rice. These benefit from the longer growing season with average annual minimum winter temperatures from 10°F to 15°F.

Few cities exist in this zone, including Arbyrd, Cardwell, and Hornersville. These areas belong to the Mississippi River Delta region, known for its flat, fertile land.

13. Nevada

Zone 8 is limited to small southern areas. Subzone 8b is prevalent around Las Vegas metropolitan area, while 8a occurs in slightly higher elevations or northerly locations within zone. Suitable plants: Mesquite, Palo Verde, succulents, Mediterranean plants, Bougainvillea, and Lantana thriving in hot, dry climates.

14. New Jersey

Zone 8 is limited to small southern coastal area. Subzone 8a includes Cape May and Atlantic County parts. Suitable plants: Beach Plum, Bayberry, Crape Myrtle, and certain Camellia varieties thriving in mild winters and long growing seasons.

15. New Mexico

Zone 8 is primarily in southern part. Subzone 8a covers higher elevation areas in Rio Grande Valley region, while 8b is in lower elevations and southerly locations. Suitable plants: Yucca, Agave, cacti, Lavender, Rosemary, peaches, and apricots with adequate water.

16. North Carolina

Zone 8 covers coastal plain and Piedmont parts. Subzone 8a includes coastal areas and eastern counties, while 8b covers inland areas and central region parts. Suitable plants: Crape Myrtle, Camellia, Azalea, Southern Magnolia, vegetables, and ornamentals thriving in long growing seasons.

17. Oklahoma

Zone 8 covers southeastern Oklahoma, with 8a from south-central to southeastern regions, and 8b far southeastern corner. Plants suited for this zone include crape myrtle, southern magnolia, and oak species. Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and okra thrive in warmer temperatures from 10°F to 20°F.

Cities in this zone: Durant (8a), Hugo (8a), Idabel (8b). Other areas: Ardmore, Lawton, and parts Fort Sill.

18. Oregon

Zone 8 concentrates in western part. Subzone 8a covers most inland valley areas, while 8b is found along immediate coast including Willamette Valley. Suitable plants: Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Rhododendrons, cool-season vegetables, berries, Japanese Maples, and Camellias thriving in mild climates.

19. Pennsylvania

Zone 8 in Pennsylvania covers a small southern portion, with subzone 8a near the Maryland border where average annual minimum winter temperatures range from 10 to 15°F (-12 to -9°C). This zone includes parts of York and Lancaster counties. Suitable plants include camellias, gardenias, and some hydrangea varieties tolerant of milder winters.

20. South Carolina

Zone 8 covers southern and coastal South Carolina, with 8a inland and 8b immediate coastal regions. Plants suited for this zone include Palmetto Palm, Oleander, and Confederate Jasmine.

21. Tennessee

Zone 8 in Tennessee covers the southwestern corner and areas along the Mississippi River. Subzone 8a includes regions near the river such as Memphis, while 8b exists in limited areas with milder conditions. Suitable plants include figs, crape myrtles, and southern magnolias.

22. Texas

Zone 8 covers much eastern Texas, with 8a inland and 8b coastal and further south. Plants suited for this zone include Crape Myrtle, Southern Magnolia, and Texas Sage, thriving in average annual minimum winter temperatures from 10°F to 20°F.

23. Utah

Zone 8 in Utah is mainly in the southwestern part, with subzone 8a including St. George and Washington, and 8b in warmer areas like Hurricane. Suitable plants include agave, yucca, and rosemary, which thrive in warmer, drier conditions.

24. Virginia

Zone 8 concentrates southeastern Virginia, with 8a inland and 8b immediate coastal regions. Plants suited for this USDA horticultural zone include Camellia, Azalea, and Dogwood, thriving in average annual minimum winter temperatures from 10°F to 20°F.

25. Washington

Zone 8 exists mainly western Washington, with 8a inland and 8b coastal and Puget Sound area. Plants suited for this zone include Japanese Maple, Rhododendron, and Western Red Cedar, thriving in average annual minimum winter temperatures from 10°F to 20°F.