The University of California, Riverside, Botanic Gardens (40 acres) are botanical gardens containing more than 3,500 plant species from around the world. The Gardens are located in the foothills of the Box Springs Mountains , to the east of the University of California, Riverside campus in Riverside, California. Over four miles of trails wind through the Gardens' hilly terrain and many microclimates.

Collections organized by species:

• Alder Canyon - California native riparian trees, including azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas and ferns
• Rose Gardens - Over 300 selections - species roses , heritage varieties, miniatures, floribundas , grandifloras and hybrid teas
• Herb Garden - Aromatic, culinary, dye and medicinal herbs
• Cactus Garden - Hundreds of cacti, ocotillos, agaves, yuccas, etc.
• Iris Garden - More than 150 named bearded iris cultivars
• Lilac Lane - True lilacs
• Subtropical Fruit Orchard - Citrus, guavas, sapotes , avocados, macadamia nuts and other subtropical fruit trees

Collections organized by geographical origin:

• South African Garden - Aloes, iceplants , naked ladies , and South African wildflowers
• Southwest Deserts Section - Extensive collection of Southwest U.S. desert plants with emphasis on those native to the Mojave and Colorado Deserts
• Sierra Foothills Section - Chaparral and Foothill Pine Woodland plants such as foothill pine, mountain mahogany, California buckeye, fremontia, sumacs and yuccas
• Boysie Day Baja California Garden - Boojum tree, palo adán , elephant tree , lomboy , and slipper plant
• Australian Section - Eucalyptus, bottlebrushes, melaleucas, grevilleas, acacias, etc.
• Temperate Deciduous Forest - A selection of trees and shrubs from temperate China and the Eastern U.S. including paper mulberry, dawn redwood, golden rain tree, liquidamber , and maples