“It is a real treat when I’m doing yard work—or any time I walk to or from the front door—I can see a plant that came from the Arnold Arboretum. A very meaningful connection!”
Sarah Freeman, Arboretum member
Each spring, we promote the cultivation of exceptional woody plants in our region through the Arbor Day Seedling Program. This exciting benefit of membership is offered to current members at the Arbor Day ($150) level and above.
In 2023, we offer members two trees with deep roots in the history of Arnold Arboretum plant collecting in Asia. For our members at the Arbor Day ($150), Notable ($250), and Patron ($600) levels, we offer Kobus magnolia (Magnolia kobus), a small tree native to Japan and Korea with silvery-gray bark and pure white, sweetly-scented flowers in early spring. For our Benefactor ($1,500) level members and Sargent-Olmsted Society members (beginning with Ginkgo Circle members at $2,500), we offer the dove tree (Davidia involucrata), a native of China in the tupelo family prized for its spectacular flowers—a spherical flower head subtended by a pair of white bracts that flutter in the wind and look like doves or handkerchiefs. Download plant descriptions and planting instructions for Magnolia kobus and Davidia involucrata.
To participate, please register your interest and preferred method to receive the seedling using the form linked on this page. Members in the Greater Boston area are strongly encouraged to pick up in person at one of two pick-up events at the Weld Hill Research Building (1300 Centre Street, Boston, MA 02131) listed below:
- Thursday, April 20 @ 4:00-7:00pm
- Friday, April 28 @ 8:30-10:30am
If you are unable to pick up a plant, you may request to have a seedling sent by mail. Plants will be mailed from the Dana Greenhouses on Tuesday, April 4. Please make your reservation request—selecting to pick up a seedling in person or have one mailed to you—through the registration link below by Wednesday, March 22. Seedlings will be available while supplies last on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Arbor Day Seedling program helps us connect with our community through remarkable plants, and is offered with thanks to members for their generosity to the Arboretum. We hope you will enjoy celebrating Arbor Day or Earth Day by planting a seedling associated with our collections in your garden.
Not yet a member?
To participate in the Arbor Day Seedling program this spring, become a member of the Arnold Arboretum at the Arbor Day level ($150) to request a seedling of Kobus magnolia, or join our Sargent-Olmsted Society to request a seedling of the dove tree. To upgrade your existing membership to qualify, please email the Membership Department or call 617.384.5766.