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Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and PreserveBurmarigolds bloom bright yellow among tree roots and palmettos in the Barataria Preserve swamp.
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Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Plants
 

South Louisiana's long growing season and abundant rain means it's a great place to be a plant. The Barataria Preserve contains three major plant systems: hardwood forest, swamp, and marsh, and is a good place to see over 400 species of plants.

In the spring, the bright colors of the giant blue iris stand tall in the Barataria Preserve swamps. The freshwater marsh turns bright green in the summertime, forming a complex system of reeds, sedges, grasses, and shrubs. Fall in the preserve brings the bright crimson of swamp (red) maples and the brilliant yellow of burmarigolds. Even in the winter, many plants stay green.

Barataria Plants

Chalmette Plants

Fall Wildflowers of Barataria

Spring Wildflowers of Barataria

 

 

Men dressed as 1815 soldiers march across Chalmette Battlefield.  

Did You Know?
Two volunteer battalions of free men of color fought in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. These men were the first black American troops to receive pay, equipment, pensions, and bounty land grants equal to that of their white counterparts.

Last Updated: April 16, 2007 at 12:51 EST