What Growing Zone Is West Branch?
Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given West Branch a growing zone designation of 5a. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in West Branch's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used West Branch's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.
Latest MI growing zone mapIf you are looking for plants suitable for growing in the West Branch area, head on over to our page on plants that grow well in West Branch, MI.
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Latest MI growing zone mapThe growing zone is a measure of the lowest temperature that a plant can survive based on average lowest year temperatures, helping you to decide what plants would grow best in your particular climate. Since West Branch is in growing zone 5a this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as -20 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for West Branch's climate should be chosen with this in mind, or plants should be moved inside to keep their core temperature in the right range if necessary.
Some zones may have been changed by the USDA as of 2023. To see if the West Branch area has been affected, refer to this map of half zone changes from the 2012 version of the USDA zones to the 2023 version.
Half zone changes from 2012 to 2023The updated map shows that over half of the Southeast has warmed by about half a zone. For gardeners, that means you can now grow plants that tolerate a bit more heat and less frost than before. The tan areas reflect this shift. Meanwhile, the white areas had slight temperature changes, but not enough to move them into a new zone. In the Western U.S., a few spots shifted cooler. That’s not due to a colder climate, but because the new map uses a larger dataset, giving a more accurate picture of local conditions. It's important to keep track of these changes when planning your garden!
Hardiness Zone FAQ
Have questions about hardiness zones and what they mean for your garden? Check out our FAQ below for quick answers to common questions about USDA hardiness zones and how they affect plant selection in West Branch, MI.
The USDA hardiness zone is 5a for West Branch. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.
West Branch's Growing Zone Details
USDA Growing Zone: 5a
Zip Codes: 48661
Longitude: -84.2362
Latitude: 44.2737
Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): -20 to -15
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Plants For Other States
Looking for the best plants in a different area of the United States? Click on a button below to find plants that are ideal for that state's temperatures.
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