USDA Plant Hardiness Map Updated Due to Climate Pattern Changes Over Time
USDA Plant Hardiness Map Updated Due to Climate Pattern Changes Over Time: On November 15, the USDA ARS released a new USDA Plant Hardiness Zones map for the US. The 2023 map includes data measured at weather stations from 1991 to 2020. The previous map was released in 2012. This is significant as it affects decisions by producers, homeowners, and communities on what plant species and cultivars to plant.
Summary of changes in Connecticut:
No more zone 5b in CT --- that was the zone defined as hardiness from -15 to -10°F. Zone 5b was in the NW corner of CT. That area is now 6a (-10 to -5°F)
New in CT is zone 7b – which is hardiness from 5 to 10°F and is the area along the coastline and was previously 7a (0 to 5°F)
Areas between the upper NW and coast are also progressively shifted
This information comes to us by way of Dr. Sydney E. Everhart, Head & Associate Professor of the Department of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture at the University of Connecticut who shared the following: “Of course, these climate patterns have not changed overnight with the publication of this new map, but rather represent a culmination of slow shifts over time and may explain why certain plants have reduced survivability, reduced fecundity, yield, disease susceptibility, etc. It is important for those of you working with students and the public to be aware of this updated information that is now available.”
To read more, click the link to the full release from the USDA: www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2023/usda-unveils-updated-plant-hardiness-zone-map/