Arboretum All-Stars

The horticultural staff of the UC Davis Arboretum have identified 100 tough, reliable plants that have been tested in the Arboretum, are easy to grow, don’t need a lot of water, have few problems with pests or diseases, and have outstanding qualities in the garden. Many of them are California native plants and support native birds and insects. We are pleased to recommend these great plants for Valley-wise gardens. The vast majority of All-Star plants can also be successfully planted and grown throughout California.

Learn about Arboretum All-Stars

Use the All-Stars Database to find the right plants for your garden
Click to browse through the 100 UC Davis Arboretum All-Stars
Click to view our new Arboretum All-Stars podcast (slide show with audio)
Download a PDF of the 24-page Arboretum All-Stars Booklet, a full listing of all 100 All-Stars with detailed information on each. If you are unable to get the entire 24-page booklet (19.5 MB), try downloading parts of it separately:

All-Stars Perennials, pages 1-11 (7.6 MB)

All-Stars Groundcovers and Vines, pages 12-13 (2 MB)

All-Stars Shrubs, pages 14-21 (7.3 MB)

All-Stars Trees, pages 20-24 (1.8 MB)

Find out which All-Stars are California natives
While the All-Stars are all low-water users, these plants are extreme water misers
These All-Stars attract hummingbirds, bees, or beneficial insects

See Arboretum All-Stars at the UC Davis Arboretum

When you visit the Arboretum demonstration gardens, you will see a series of beautiful, brightly-colored signs identifying the Arboretum All-Stars, each with a photo of the plant in bloom, a list of its outstanding features, and information about how to grow it. Also look for metal plant labels with the All-Stars logo.

Purchase Arboretum All-Stars

At Arboretum plant sales
At selected retailers across California starting in spring 2009. Check back often as new retailers will be added to the list periodically. Look for the All-Stars symbol on the plant tag. Coming soon: demonstration plantings of Arboretum All-Stars at the new Arboretum Teaching Nursery.
At four other nurseries in Yolo and Solano counties that offer discounts to members of the Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum.

Grow and care for your Arboretum All-Stars