Joeinmo, since I am an optimist, I am definitely using 7a for Joplin, Missouri. However, GardenWeb, in their wisdom (?), will not let me change my zone on my profile.

We'll probably all have a better idea what zone this time next year.
Sunny

Sunny, Oh you are Definately in zone 7 according to Arborday, and I think the USDA does not take into consideration the heat index for warmer climate plants, Arbor Day does. Even though they have some northern east coast states in 7, they never have the heat long enough to grow certain trees, plants, like we have in SW Missouri, NW Arkansas.

We are in z7 according to the USDA but there are microclimates all over the place. It is an AVERAGE tho, take it with a grain of salt. I mainly think of my garden as z6b but I still try lots of z7 plants. Most years they will make it, but I still think of them as marginally hardy (to 10ðF). If you like them well enough you can always replant them!

Sandy

I have always just used zone 6 in my 65770 area, but I see now I should use 6B. I do have some zone7 plants growing and doing well in a sort of mini climate area.