What "usda hardiness zone" means in gardening

A USDA Hardiness Zone is a geographic area in which specific plant species are expected to grow best according to the average minimum winter temperature of the region. The USDA Hardiness Zone map divides North America into 13 zones based on the average annual extreme minimum temperature that ranges from -60 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Gardeners use this information to select plants that are more likely to thrive in their region.