Magnolias
The southern magnolia has been the state flower of Louisiana since 1900. It was challenged by fans of the state's iris blossoms in the 1940s and 1950s, but the challenge was unsuccessful. The magnolia tree and its blossoms remain in place as a symbol of Louisiana. The flower blossoms, with their lovely white petals, are present throughout the state, including the southern areas.
Louisiana Iris
Lovers of the Louisiana iris did eventually have their day, however, when their flower was declared the state wildflower in 1990. Although found in Alabama and Mississippi as well, the plant favors moist, wet conditions such as are found in roadside ditches. Conditions like that abound in southern Louisiana, so Louisiana irises can be found growing wild just about everywhere there. They flower between March and April, and their blossoms come in a range of colors including blue, pink, purple, red-brown, yellow and white.
American Bluehearts
These wildflowers may be endangered in other states, but in the sunny and wet conditions of southern Louisiana they are thriving. Their flowers can be purple-blue or bright pink.
Birdfoot Violet
Birdfoot violets are another wildflower that is having problems elsewhere in the United States but finds conditions in southern Louisiana to be ideal and is doing well there. The flowers can be white, blue or purple.
Bearded Grass Pink Orchids
These orchids are usually pinkish-purple, and they flower mostly between February and April, but sometimes as late as June. They are small, and in the state of Louisiana are found only in the southern, coastal areas. They like the acidic soils of the pine forests and can often be found thriving in the wake of a forest fire in such areas.
