Matt, I am an LSU alum (2001) who just moved back to Louisiana after 15 years away. I am a licensed LA in Arizona, but not Louisiana, so I am also considering taking the Louisiana Supplemental Exam this year to get licensed in LA.
As you have probably already seen, the LA Horticulture Commission only says, “The written exam covers plant use and characteristics. Questions pertain to the use and characteristics of various plant materials. The questions are a mix of matching, fill in the blanks, and short answers.”
I spoke to an RLA in my office and he was able to provide the following info…
The written portion, as he recalls, is largely focused on plant communities and ecology, in addition to plant usage and characteristics. He suggests knowing the different bioregions/plant communities (Bottomland Hardwood, Coastal Marsh, Historic Longleaf, etc), where they are located geographically within the state, and the native species typical of those communities. In addition to all the plants you already know, familiarize yourself with some saltwater marsh grasses and other plants that may be of little ornamental use but have ecological importance.
The LHC suggests “Southern Plants” by Odenwald and Turner as the study guide for the exam.
If you find any additional information, please share.
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