Pennsylvania’s geography, spanning from the Appalachian Mountains to the fertile valleys of the southeast, creates a mosaic of ecosystems supporting varied plant life. This diversity has historically positioned the state as a significant agricultural center, blending vast tracts of commercial cropland with deep, native forests. The varied climate and soil types allow for both large-scale commodity production and unique, specialized cultivation, providing a rich botanical profile across the Keystone State.
Dominant Commercial Crops
Pennsylvania’s agricultural economy relies heavily on staple commodity crops, which primarily function as feed for the state’s substantial livestock sector. Field corn and hay are the two most cultivated crops, occupying millions of acres across the state’s farmland. The vast majority of corn grown is not for human consumption but is instead harvested for grain or silage to support the dairy and livestock industries.
Approximately 30% of the corn crop is chopped and fermented into silage, a highly nutritious feed source that allows dairy and beef cattle to be fed throughout the year. The remaining corn grain and other grains like soybeans are processed into high-protein animal feed. Livestock products, led by the output of the dairy sector, account for over two-thirds of Pennsylvania’s annual agricultural income. Hay, which includes alfalfa and clover, is a foundational element in this system, with over 10,000 farms relying on it for the majority of their income.
Native Trees and Wild Flora
The natural landscape of Pennsylvania is characterized by its extensive cover of native plant species. The state is covered by vast hardwood forests, which shift in composition depending on elevation and region. Lower elevations and the central-southern portions are typically dominated by oak and hickory forests, while northern and higher elevations feature mixed stands of birch, maple, and black cherry.
The state tree, the Eastern Hemlock, is a slow-growing evergreen that provides unique ecological benefits, creating shaded habitats along stream banks. The state flower, Mountain Laurel, is a native broadleaf evergreen shrub that blankets hillsides with clusters of pink or white flowers in late spring. These plants thrive in the state’s acidic soils and are joined by various native understory species like the Allegheny Serviceberry, which produces edible berries, and the Pawpaw, a small tree that yields the largest native fruit in North America. Ground cover includes plants such as Eastern Teaberry and Black Huckleberry, which contribute to the ecological diversity and food sources for wildlife.
Pennsylvania’s Specialty Agriculture
Beyond the staple commodities, Pennsylvania has carved out a national reputation in several highly specialized agricultural sectors. The most notable is mushroom production, where the state consistently ranks first in the nation. This industry is geographically focused, with the Kennett Square area of Chester County often referred to as the “Mushroom Capital of the World.”
The climate and geography also support significant fruit production, particularly apples and peaches, where Pennsylvania ranks highly among U.S. states. Adams County is a significant center for this production, capitalizing on favorable growing conditions. A unique winter crop is the Christmas tree, where the state is also a major national producer, with farms across the commonwealth growing varieties like Douglas and Fraser firs. These specialty products represent high-value crops that differentiate Pennsylvania’s farm economy from its neighbors.
Home Gardening in the Keystone State
For residents engaging in personal cultivation, understanding the local growing conditions is paramount. Pennsylvania spans several USDA Hardiness Zones, ranging from the colder, higher-elevation northern areas to the milder southeastern regions. This range dictates the plants that can survive the average minimum winter temperatures, which guides the successful cultivation of perennials and the timing of annual plantings.
The humid continental climate is well-suited for a variety of common home garden vegetables. Heat-loving crops like tomatoes and sweet peppers thrive during the warm, humid summers, particularly in the longer growing seasons of the southern zones.
Cool-season vegetables such as lettuce, kale, and broccoli are also successful and can often be planted earlier in the spring and again in the late summer for a fall harvest. Popular ornamentals that flourish in the state include the native Eastern Redbud and various cultivars of peonies and hydrangeas, offering color and structure across the various hardiness zones.