University of California Botanical Garden

Oakland, California, United States

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The University of California Botanical Garden, located on the Berkeley campus within the city boundary of Oakland, was formally established in 1890 by E.L. Greene, the first chairman of the Department of Botany.

Initially near Haviland Hall, it started as a collection of native and regional plants with about 600 species that grew to around 1,500 species within a decade. The garden was relocated in the 1920s to its current 34-acre site in Strawberry Canyon, chosen for its mild climate and varied ecosystems that support diverse plant communities.

Designed under the leadership of Thomas Harper Goodspeed, the garden is organized primarily by geographic regions, creating habitats that resemble native growing conditions. Over time, it has expanded to more than 10,000 species from around the world, including rare and endangered plants, serving as a living museum and an important center for botanical research, conservation, and public education.

The garden maintains walking trails, natural landscapes, and special collections such as the Asian plant section, and engages volunteers for ongoing care and outreach.