Provided herein are compositions and methods for binding outgrowth endothelial cells (OEC). The compositions consist of peptide ligands capable of binding OEC with high affinity and specificity. The compositions of the invention include peptides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1-38 and variants and derivatives thereof. Compositions also include the nucleotide sequences encoding the peptides of the invention. The compositions find use in methods for the isolation of OEC and for the recruitment and retention of OEC to sites of therapeutic interest. Methods for the identification and isolation of other peptides capable of binding OEC are also provided.
