USDA Hardiness Zone 4A Growing Guide

Source: USDA Agricultural Research Service Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023

Northern plains and mountains — hardy deciduous trees and cool-season crops.

Where Zone 4A sits on the national map

Zone 4A highlighted in dark green; neighboring zones in their reference colors. Tap a neighboring zone to compare.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Source: USDA ARS Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 · PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University · 1991-2020 normals

Zone Position

4a4a
3a (Cold)13b (Hot)

Key Facts — Zone 4A

  • Avg. coldest night: -30°F to -25°F (-34.4°C to -31.7°C) — the band of average annual extreme minimum temperatures that defines this zone (USDA ARS PHZM 2023)
  • What that means: in an average year your coldest night lands somewhere in that 5°F window. Actual lows can drop colder in extreme winters; daytime highs are not bounded by this number.
  • Found In: 18 US states, including New York, Colorado, Washington and 15 more
  • Growing Considerations: Northern plains and mountains — hardy deciduous trees and cool-season crops.

What Is Zone 4A?

USDA Hardiness Zone 4A is defined by an average annual extreme minimum temperature between -30°F and -25°F (-34.4°C to -31.7°C), according to the USDA ARS Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023.

Coldest avg. low

-30°F

USDA PHZM 2023

Warmest avg. low

-25°F

USDA PHZM 2023

Coldest avg. low (°C)

-34.4°C

USDA PHZM 2023

States

18

Plants That Thrive in Zone 4A

Plants well-adapted to the temperature range of this zone.

Cherry

Raspberry

Lilac

Kale

See all 1,112 plants scored for your specific address →

Your Zone Is Just One Factor

Hardiness zone tells you about winter cold tolerance — but it doesn't tell you about soil drainage, summer heat, frost dates, flood risk, or contamination proximity. Two Zone 4A parcels can have very different growing outcomes. Your Growable Ground report scores 1,112 plants against all these factors for your specific address.

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Your zone is a starting point — your parcel is the whole story

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Frequently Asked Questions

What plants grow in Zone 4A?

Northern plains and mountains — hardy deciduous trees and cool-season crops. Common plants that thrive include Cherry, Raspberry, Lilac, Kale. Actual suitability depends on your parcel's soil, drainage, and microclimate.

What states have Zone 4A?

Zone 4A appears across 18 US states: New York, Colorado, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

What temperature is USDA Zone 4A?

USDA Hardiness Zone 4A is defined by an average annual extreme minimum temperature between -30°F and -25°F (-34.4°C to -31.7°C), per the USDA ARS Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023.