Furthering the improvement of the grade, variety, and availability of horticultural
products to the general public.

The Louisiana Society For Horticultural Research (LSHR) began with a plant collecting trip to search for new plant materials that would be adaptable to Louisiana. Ms. U.B. Evans of Ferriday, Louisiana was instrumental in bringing together the first members that composed the LSHR.

In June and July of 1954, Ms. Evans called on persons who she felt would be interested in sending a plant collector to Bolivia. The response was enthusiastic and the Louisiana Society For Horticultural Research was officially organized at that July 1954 meeting with Professor Ira S. Nelson setting out for Bolivia in August.

This trip became the first of many and the society has grown ever since. There are presently 261 members, with more than 77,000 individual plants having been released.

About

History

Scholarship Opportunities

Since 1954, LSHR has offered scholarships to promising horticulture students to advance the field of horticulture. Scholarship applicants are reviewed annually at the LSHR Spring Board meeting.

Applications must be received by September 30, 2025.

  • Two thousand dollar ($2,000) scholarships ($1,000 per semester) to be awarded annually to undergraduate and graduate students. 

    • Applicants must be enrolled in a Louisiana College and/or University at the Junior, Senior or postgraduate level. 

    • U.S. residency required.

    • Full-time student in good standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

    • Horticulture, plant science, or closely related field of study.

    • Two (2) letters of recommendation from a current or former faculty member or professional in the major field of study.

    • Submission of applicant’s official transcript.

    • Annual application required.

Plant Releases

2025 Plant Releases

2024 Plant Evaluation

Plant Release Archives

Comprehensive List

Research

Funding Requirements

Archives

The Compost Pile

Current Year - 2025

Archives

Member Information

Annual Meeting

March 14, 2026

Schedule of Events
TBA