Nevada spans 13 planting zones, from 4a to 10a, making it essential to know which zone you’re in to choose the best plants for your yard. With such a diverse climate in the Silver State, figuring out your specific zone might not be easy.
In this article, we’ll go through each region in Nevada and its planting zones, so you can make informed decisions regarding the plants in your landscape. Whether you’re in the cooler areas near the mountains, like Elko, or the warmer southern rzegions in the Mojave Desert, like Las Vegas, we’ve got you covered.
What planting zone is Nevada?
Although Nevada’s planting zones range from 4a to 10a, most of the state is located within zones 6a to 7a. The colder temperatures and lower growing zones are mostly reserved for the Elko Hills in northeastern Nevada, while the hotter temperatures and high planting zones are found in the south, in the Mojave Desert.
In the following sections, we will explore each Nevada USDA planting zone, its characteristics, and where each one is located in the state. With these zones, you’ll have an easier time choosing perennials that survive year-round, even in extreme low temperatures. So, let’s get started:
Zone 4a and 4b
Zone 4a is the rarest planting zone in Nevada, experiencing average minimum temperatures of -30 to -25 F. This zone is only found in a small area in Elko County, between Wild Horse and Mountain City.
Zone 4b, on the other hand, is slightly less cold, with extreme temperatures ranging from -25 to -20 F. In Nevada, this zone is found only in the area surrounding zone 4a in Elko County.
Vegetation in these zones need to be exceptionally tough to withstand the cold winter temperatures, often growing close to the ground to survive the harsh conditions. You can learn about how to choose plants for these areas in our guide: How to Use the Plant Hardiness Zone Map in Your Yard.
Zone 5a and 5b
Zone 5a isn’t widespread in Nevada either, but it is found in a few small areas. This zone has average annual extreme minimum temperatures of -20 to -15 F. It is mostly found in:
- Central Elko County, including the city of Wells
- A small area in eastern Eureka County
- Central White Pine County, including parts of the city of Ely
- A small area in northern Nye County, near the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Zone 5b, on the other hand, is more widespread in Nevada, being found in significant portions of northeastern Nevada. However, the regions where this zone can be found are generally not heavily populated.
This zone experiences extreme minimum temperatures of -15 to -10 F. Here are the areas where zone 5b can be found:
- Elko County, including the cities of Elko and Carlin
- White Pine County, covering parts of the city of Ely
- Most of Eureka County
- Southern Lander County
- Small areas in northern Nye and Lincoln counties
- A really small area in northern Washoe and Humboldt Counties, near the Sheldon National Antelope Refuge
- An area in eastern Churchill County
Pro Tip: If you’re not sure if where you live is within these areas, you can type your ZIP code in the USDA plant hardiness zone map for more precise information.
Zone 6a and 6b
Zone 6a and 6b are milder, with minimum temperatures ranging from -10 to -5 F and -5 to 0 F, making it ideal if you want to have a perfect lawn. You can check our guide, The Best Grass for Nevada Lawns, for more information.
These zones are present in almost all Nevada counties, but more significantly in central and northern Nevada. Here is a list of some cities, towns, and areas located within zone 6a:
- White Pine County: Baker and Lund
- Eureka County: Eureka
- Lander County: Kingston
- Humboldt County: Orovada and Paradise Valley
- Lincoln County: Atlanta
- Clark County: The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Notable locations for zone 6b include Winnemucca, in Humboldt County, Gardnerville, in Douglas County, and Austin, in Lander County.
Zone 7a and 7b
Zone 7a has average minimum temperatures of 0 to 5 F, while zone 7b’s minimum temperature range is between 5 and 10 F. Both of these zones provide a milder climate, and they’re situated mainly in central and western Nevada.
These zones encompass several important areas, including:
- Reno and Sparks, in Washoe County
- Carson City
- Fallon, in Churchill County
- Tonopah, in Nye County
- Yerington, in Lyon County
Zone 8a and 8b
Zone 8a is a warm planting zone, with extreme minimum temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 F. This zone can mostly be found in south central Nevada, particularly in the counties of Lincoln, southern Nye, and northern Clark. The city of Pahrump, in Nye County, is within this zone.
Zone 8b’s extreme temperatures range from 15 to 20 F. This zone is found in southern Lincoln and Nye Counties and throughout Clark County. The city of Beatty, in Nye County, is in this zone.
Zone 9a and 9b
Zone 9a experiences extreme average minimum temperatures of 20 to 25 F. This zone is mainly found in Clark County, including the western edge of Las Vegas and some areas in North Las Vegas.
Zone 9b is found only in Clark County, particularly in the area surrounding the Colorado River. This zone includes the city of Henderson, as well as most of Las Vegas and North Las Vegas. It experiences minimum temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 F.
Having a beautiful yard in this area is not an easy task, as plants need to be able to tolerate drought and hot weather, but it’s not impossible. Check out our guide, Drought-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Las Vegas, for more information.
Zone 10a
Zone 10a is found only in a small section of Clark County, in the southernmost part of the Colorado River that passes through Nevada, near Lake Mohave. This zone experiences extreme minimum temperatures of 30 to 35 F.
Typically, the only plants that thrive in this area are native plants, adapted to the hot weather and drought conditions.
Call a professional
Nevada’s diverse range of planting zones can make it challenging to choose the best plants for your yard. If you’d rather enjoy a shrimp cocktail instead of figuring out planting zones, call a local lawn care professional. They can help you select and plant the perfect species for your area, ensuring a beautiful landscape.
Main Image Credit: Ammodramus | Wikimedia Commons | CC0 1.0
