Louisiana's Natural Heritage Program (LNHP), within the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, is the lead state program for the identification, ranking, and conservation of Louisiana's rare species and native natural communities. Since the LA Natural Heritage Program's inception in 1984, our staff botanists have compiled data for the list of rare plant species from various sources such as herbarium specimens, scientific literature, reports from expert and amateur botanists, and extensive surveys conducted by LNHP staff. While this database is quite extensive, there are still many natural areas in Louisiana that have not been surveyed. New plant records are continuously being added to the database, and current records are updated as new information becomes available. Over the past two decades, rare plant identification and mapping by LNHP has been instrumental in the creation of numerous conservation areas around Louisiana such as the Lake Ramsey and Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Areas, and the CC Road Savanna Preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy of Louisiana, to name just a few.
Our listing of the Rare Plant Species of Louisiana, identifies those native plant species that are currently considered among Louisiana's rarest and most in need of conservation efforts. The purpose of this report is to provide the public with a listing of the rare plant species in Louisiana and their current rarity status, to solicit further information and input concerning these species, and to promote conservation of these species.
The list is arranged alphabetically by scientific name with associated common name. The state and global rarity ranks are listed in the third and fourth columns, respectively, with the fifth column containing wetland code. Explanations of these rankings and codes may be found following the listing of species. The sixth column provides a listing of parishes where each plant species is currently found, and the final column describes the natural community types for each species.
The LA Natural Heritage Program welcomes and encourages input concerning the rare species lists. If you would like to take an active part in protecting Louisiana's rare plant species, please contact us (225-765-2821) with any of the following information:
- Mapped location information for any rare plant populations. Please fill out our rare species reporting form and mail it to the address listed on the form, or call or send an e-mail message to our staff.
- Any data indicating that a species should be either added or removed from our listing.
- Documentation of existing habitat pressures that threaten populations of rare plants.
- Literature citations, references or other information on the biology and ecology of our state's rare plant species.
- Any other information that might be helpful in supporting the conservation, protection and/or management of LA's rare plant species and their habitats.
Any questions, concerns, information requests concerning LA rare plants are welcomed and should be directed to:
Louisiana Natural Heritage Program
Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries
P.O. Box 98000
Baton Rouge, LA 70898