California Botanic Garden

Claremont, California, United States

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The California Botanic Garden in Claremont, California, formerly known as Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, originated in 1927 when Susanna Bixby Bryant established a native plant garden on her Orange County rancho to preserve California’s diverse flora amid increasing development.

It relocated to Claremont in 1951 and now spans 86 acres, making it the largest botanical garden devoted exclusively to California native plants. The garden features around 70,000 plants representing approximately 2,000 species and cultivars from the entire California Floristic Province.

It is managed by a nonprofit organization and serves as a major center for botanical research, conservation, and education, partnering closely with Claremont Graduate University to offer advanced botany programs. The garden includes various themed landscapes like Indian Hill Mesa and East Alluvial Gardens, containing centuries-old native oaks and other regional flora.

Visitors can explore extensive walking trails, research collections, and educational exhibits that highlight the importance of protecting California’s botanical heritage while inspiring sustainable gardening practices in the Mediterranean climate of the region.​