LICI has released its 2026 Louisiana Iris Viewing Locations map

March 14, 2026 New Orleans, La.

The Louisiana Iris Conservation Initiative (LICI) has released its 2026 Louisiana Iris Viewing Locations map and annual site rankings, giving the public a guide to some of the very best places in Louisiana to see native Louisiana irises blooming in the wild this spring.

The interactive map, which has become one of LICI’s most popular public outreach projects, highlights locations across south Louisiana where visitors can safely and easily view large blooming populations of native irises. Many of the sites featured on the map are part of on-going iris restoration projects led by LICI and its partners.

The annual map ranks each location based on the expected quality of the bloom display, ranging from “The Best” to “Almost the Best.” By clicking on a location icon, visitors can access additional information about the site along with photographs showing what they can expect to see during peak bloom season.

According to LICI president Gary Salathe, the goal of the project is to encourage people to experience Louisiana’s native irises in their natural habitats while also learning about the wetlands and coastal ecosystems that support them.

“While there are blooming wild Louisiana irises in some remote marshes and swamps that are difficult or unsafe for the public to access, this map helps direct people to locations where they can safely experience the beauty of Louisiana’s native irises while also learning about the importance of protecting these habitats.” Salathe explained.

The map includes locations featuring two species of native Louisiana irises, including the state wildflower, Iris giganticaerulea, commonly known as the giant blue iris. It also identifies the location where visitors may see the rare Iris nelsonii, or Abbeville Red iris, one of Louisiana’s rarest native plants.

Among the locations receiving high rankings this year are sites featuring extensive boardwalks and nature trails through coastal swamps and marshes. Some of the locations highlighted on the map have benefited from restoration work over the last few years designed to increase iris populations. A few of the sites are in public parks that highlight native plants.

The Louisiana Iris Viewing Locations map has grown significantly in popularity since it was first introduced several years ago. Previous editions of the map generated tens of thousands of online views and helped introduce large numbers of people to Louisiana’s native iris habitats.

LICI encourages anyone planning to visit the sites to monitor local bloom reports on the LICI Facebook page, since bloom timing can vary from one location to another depending on temperature and water conditions. In most years, Louisiana irises begin blooming in mid-March, with peak bloom typically occurring from late March into early April.

The 2026 Louisiana Iris Viewing Locations map can be viewed by clicking here.