What is the role of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map?

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map serves as a critical tool for gardeners and horticulturists by defining climate conditions that can affect plant growth and survival. Specifically, it categorizes different geographic areas based on their average annual minimum temperatures. This information helps gardeners determine which plants are likely to thrive in their specific region by matching the hardiness of plants to the climatic conditions indicated by these zones.

Understanding the hardiness zones allows individuals to select plants that are appropriate for their local climate, thus increasing the chances of successful growth and reducing the risk of plant death due to unfavorable temperature extremes. For example, if a gardener lives in a zone where winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, selecting a plant that is rated for that zone ensures that the plant has the ability to withstand those cold conditions.

The other options do not accurately represent the purpose of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. It does not serve as a catalog of available plants, nor does it provide information about soil types or pest infestations, which are entirely different aspects of gardening and plant care. The focus of the map is specifically on temperature-related climate conditions, making it an essential reference for understanding plant hardiness.