In North Dakota, you’ll find yourself in one of three USDA plant hardiness zones: 3b, 4a, or 4b.
Knowing your zone is key to choosing plants that you can grow in your landscape, as these zones are based on the average extreme minimum winter temperatures for that area. Let’s explore what each zone means for your North Dakota yard.
What planting zone is North Dakota?
As of 2023, North Dakota is divided into USDA plant hardiness zones 3b, 4a, and 4b, with the majority of the state falling within 4a. Use the North Dakota hardiness zone map below as a guide, and let’s dive in.
Zone 3b
This zone covers parts of all the northernmost counties of North Dakota. Notable cities like Langdon and Cando fall within this zone, which extends into portions of Williams, Mountrail, McHenry, Pierce, Benson, Ramsey, and Walsh counties.
This is the coldest part of the state, with harsh winters where temperatures can dip between -35 F and -30 F.
Pro Tip: To thrive in zone 3b, it is important to choose plants, including grasses, that can handle the cold, and consider using the right techniques to protect them. Cool-season varieties are the best grasses for your North Dakota lawn, especially if you’re in this zone, since they can withstand the state’s low temperatures.
Zone 4a
Zone 4a covers the largest area in the Peace Garden State, with every county having at least some portion within this zone. Many central counties, such as McKenzie, Wells, Kidder, Eddie, Foster, Grand Forks, Steele, Traill, and Cass, are entirely in this zone.
This zone covers Bismarck, the state’s capital city, as well as other populated cities like Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot. Other cities in this zone include:
- Beach
- Carson
- Center
- Crosby
- Finley
- Grafton
- Lakota
- Lisbon
- Manning
- Mohall
- Mott
- Napoleon
- Stanley
- Williston
Winter temperatures here can drop between -30 F and -25 F.
Zone 4b
Zone 4b primarily covers portions of counties in the southern part of North Dakota. In central North Dakota, counties such as Sheridan, Dunn, McLean, Burleigh, Stutsman, Golden Valley, and Billings also have areas within this zone, among others. In the northern part of the state, a small portion of Ward County, specifically near Minot, falls under this zone.
Notable cities in this zone include:
- Bowman
- Jamestown
- McClusky
In Zone 4b, temperatures can drop between -25 F and -20 F.
For a comprehensive guide to using this map, check out our article: How to Use the Plant Hardiness Zone Map in Your Yard.
Let a pro guide you
Finding the best native plants for North Dakota that will thrive in your yard can be challenging, especially when navigating hardiness zones. It’s crucial to get it right.
Get help from nearby experts who specialize in choosing the best plants and caring for your lawn, whether you’re in Fargo or anywhere else in North Dakota.
Main Image Credit: Farragutful | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0
