Each year the American Iris Society (AIS) judges to award the Award of Merit (AM) to a group of irises. Eligibility for the AM beings the second year after the iris variety has recieved the Honorable Mention Award (HM), and eligibility continues for three years.
The AM is one of the AIS's most coveted awards and is given each year to a limited number of iris varieties in each of the classifications of iris.*
Louisiana Iris Award of Merit (runnerups in the voting included)
| Year | Award | Votes | Cultivar | Hybridizer | HM | Debaillon |
| 2022 | AM | 23 | 'Rougaroux' Joseph Musacchia | 2019 | ||
| 2022 | AM | 22 | 'Heartbreak Warfare' Hooker Nichols | 2018 | ||
| 2022 | Runnerup | 21 | 'Reverchon Snowfall' Hooker Nichols | 2017 | ||
| 2022 | Runnerup | 19 | 'Memories of Melody' Jill Copeland | 2019 | ||
| 2022 | Runnerup | 18 | 'Changing Shadows' Pat M Norvell | 2019 | ||
| 2022 | Runnerup | 18 | 'Who's Ya Mama' Joseph Musacchia | 2018 | ||
| 2022 | Runnerup | 14 | 'Late for the Party' Joseph Musacchia | 2019 | ||
|
2021 |
AM | 22 | 'Eyes Wide Open' Heather Pryor | 2019 |
|
|
| 2021 | AM | 16 | 'Katrina Rising' Patrick O'Connor | 2019 | ||
| 2021 | Runnerup | 15 | 'Memories of Melody' Jill Copeland | 2019 | ||
| 2021 | Runnerup | 13 | 'Heartbreak Warfare' Hooker Nichols | 2018 | ||
| 2021 | Runnerup | 12 | 'Reverchon Snowfall' Hooker Nichols | 2017 | ||
| 2021 | Runnerup | 12 | 'Rougaroux' Joe Musacchia | 2019 | ||
| 2021 | Runnerup | 11 | 'Who's Ya Mama' Joe Musacchia | 2018 | ||
| 2020 | No Awards Given | |||||
| 2019 | AM | 46 | Rooster Ron Betzer | 2017 | 2021 | |
| 2019 | AM | 45 | Melody Wilhoit Hooker Nichols | 2016 | ||
| 2019 | Runnerup | 17 | Lady of Lometa Jim Landers | 2016 | ||
| 2019 | Runnerup | 15 | Reverchon Snowfall Hooker Nichols | 2017 | ||
| 2019 | Runnerup | 13 | Gulf Coast Beaches Hooker Nichols | 2015 | ||
| 2019 | Runnerup | 11 | Earline Sudduth Harry Wolford | 2015 | ||
| 2019 | Runnerup | 10 | Kakadu Sunset Heather Pryor | 2015 | ||
| 2018 | AM | 59 | When Pigs Fly Patrick O'Connor | 2016 | 2021 | |
| 2018 | AM | 49 | Watermelon Wizard Hooker Nichols | 2016 | 2022 | |
| 2018 | Runnerup | 39 | Melody Wilhoit Hooker Nichols | 2016 | ||
| 2018 | Runnerup | 19 | Lady Of Lometa Jim Landers | 2016 | ||
| 2018 | Runnerup | 12 | Ride for Dixie M&J Wilhoit | 2014 | ||
| 2018 | Runnerup | 11 | Katrina Dog Patrick O'Connor | 2014 | ||
| 2018 | Runnerup | 11 | Texas Toast J Mertzweiller by M Caillet | 2014 | ||
| 2017 | AM | 22 | Seminole Moon Harry Wolford | 2015 | ||
| 2017 | AM | 15 | Gris Gris Patrick O'Connor | 2014 | ||
| 2017 | AM | 15 | Southern Star Heather Pryor | 2014 | ||
| 2017 | Runnerup | 14 | Ride For Dixie M&J Wilhoit | 2014 | ||
| 2017 | Runnerup | 12 | Gulf Coast Beaches Hooker Nichols | 2015 | ||
| 2017 | Runnerup | 11 | Birthday Suit Patrick O'Connor | 2013 | ||
| 2017 | Runnerup | 11 | Kakadu Sunset Heather Pryor | 2015 | ||
|
2016 |
AM | 32 | Deja Voodoo Patrick O'Connor | 2014 | ||
| 2016 | AM | 16 | Blue Splatter Wayland Rudkin | 2012 | ||
| 2016 | Runnerup | 13 | Sugarplum Treat Heather Pryor | 2012 | ||
| 2016 | Runnerup | 12 | Gris Gris Patrick O'Connor | 2014 | ||
| 2016 | Runnerup | 12 | Ride for Dixie M & J Wilhoit | 2014 | ||
| 2016 | Runnerup | 10 | Bayou Festival Hooker Nichols | 2012 | ||
| 2016 | Runnerup | 9 | Katrina Dog Patrick O'Connor | 2014 | ||
| 2016 | Runnerup | 9 | Southern Star Heather Pryor | 2014 | ||
| 2015 | AM |
41 | Our Friend Dick Ron Killingsworth | 2013 | 2017 | |
| 2015 | AM | 25 | Dark Dude Ron Betzer | 2013 | ||
| 2015 | AM | 23 | Lemon Zest Kevin Vaughn | 2013 | ||
| 2015 | AM | 23 | Michigan Belle Jill Copeland | 2012 | ||
| 2015 | Runnersup | 21 | Seminole Autumn Harry Wolford | |||
| 2015 | Runnersup | 14 | Blue Splatter Wayland Rudkin | |||
| 2015 | Runnersup | 14 | Sarah Faith M.D. Faith | |||
| 2015 | Runnersup | 13 | Acadian Debutante Hooker Nichols | |||
| 2015 | Runnersup | 13 | Sugarplum Treat Heather Pryor | |||
| 2014 | AM | 25 | Edna Grace | Heather Pryor | 2011 | |
| 2014 | AM | 20 | Blue Mountain Mist | Bernard Pryor | 2010 | 2016 |
| 2014 | AM | 18 | Cajun Serenade | Hooker Nichols | 2011 | |
| 2014 | AM | 18 | Lafayette Moon | Hooker Nichols | 2012 | |
| 2014 | Runnersup | 15 | Dark and Dangerous | Bernard Pryor | ||
| 2014 | Runnersup | 15 | Michigan Belle | Jill Copeland | ||
| 2014 | Runnersup | 14 | Susan B. Anthony | Bernard Pryor | ||
| 2014 | Runnersup | 13 | Blue Splatter | Wayland Rudkin | ||
| 2014 | Runnersup | 12 | Cala | Ron Betzer | ||
| 2014 | Runnersup | 12 | Chistin Faith | MD Faith | ||
| 2014 | Runnersup | 12 | Little Bronzed Aussie | Bernard Pryor | ||
| 2013 | AM | 25 | Rilla Hickerson | F Campbell by Whilhoit | 2010 | |
| 2013 | AM | 19 | Choctaw Ridge | Joe Musacchia | 2010 | |
| 2013 | AM | 19 | Seminole Sunrise | Harry Wolford | 2011 | 2015 |
| 2013 | Runnersup | 18 | Edna Grace | Heather Pryor | ||
| 2013 | Runnersup | 17 | Blue Mountain Mist | Bernard Pryor | ||
| 2013 | Runnersup | 16 | Cajun Serenade | Hooker Nichols | ||
| 2013 | Runnersup | 16 | Kentucky Thoroughbred | William Bruner | ||
| 2013 | Runnersup | 15 | Susan B. Anthony | Bernard Pryor | ||
| 2012 | AM | 27 | Zydeco | Pat O'Connor | 2008 | |
| 2012 | AM | 24 | Edna Claunch | Harry Wolford | 2010 | 2014 |
| 2012 | AM | 21 | Rochester Lilacs | Heathe Pryor | ||
| 2012 | Runnersup | 20 | Rilla Hickerson | F Campbell by Whilhoit | ||
| 2012 | Runnersup | 18 | Kentucky Thoroughbred | William Bruner | ||
| 2012 | Runnersup | 17 | Little Bronzed Aussie | Bernard Pryor | ||
| 2012 | Runnersup | 17 | Susan B. Anthony | Bernard Pryor | ||
| 2012 | Runnersup | 16 | Donna Wolford | Heather Pryor | ||
| 2012 | Runnersup | 15 | Maison De Ville | Dunn by Ghio | ||
| 2012 | Runnersup | 15 | Park Avenue Princess | Heather Pryor | ||
| 2012 | Runnersup | 14 | Rae Rae | MD Faith | ||
| 2012 | Runnersup | 13 | Blue Mountain | Bermard Pryor | ||
| 2011 | AM | 22 | Frederick Douglass | Dorman Haymon | 2009 | |
| 2011 | AM | 22 | Renee Fleming | Heather Pryor | 2008 | |
| 2011 | Runnersup | 20 | Zydeco | Patrick O'Connor | ||
| 2011 | Runnersup | 18 | Maison De Ville | Mary Dunn by Ghio | ||
| 2011 | Runnersup | 15 | Kentucky Thoroughbred | William Bruner | ||
| 2011 | Runnersup | 14 | Ann's Legacy | M. D. Faith | ||
| 2011 | Runnersup | 14 | Donna Wolford | Heather Pryor | ||
| 2011 | Runnersup | 14 | Let Freedom Ring | Bernard Pryor | ||
| 2011 | Runnersup | 14 | Park Avenue Princess | Heather Pryor | ||
| 2010 | AM | 28 | Ginny's Choice | Wayland Rudkin | 2008 | 2012 |
| 2010 | AM | 25 | Frenchmen's Street | Pat O'Connor | 2007 | |
| 2010 | Runnersup | 22 | Renee Fleming | Heather Pryor | ||
| 2010 | Runnersup | 18 | Maison De Ville | Mary Dunn by Ghio | ||
| 2010 | Runnersup | 16 | Divorcee | Joseph Ghio | ||
| 2010 | Runnersup | 15 | June's Pick | M. D. Faith | ||
| 2010 | Runnersup | 14 | Foxy One | M. D. Faith | ||
| 2010 | Runnersup | 14 | Lake Hamana | Bernard Pryor | ||
| 2010 | Runnersup | 14 | Park Avenue Princes | Heather Pryor | ||
| 2010 | Runnersup | 13 | Echo's Red Imp | M. D. Faith | ||
| 2010 | Runnersup | 12 | Zydeco | Patrick O'Connor | ||
| 2009 | AM | 35 | James Faith | M. D. Faith | 2006 | 2013 |
| 2009 | AM | 22 | Hail Mary | M Dunn by Ghio | 2005 | |
| 2009 | Runnersup | 20 | Frenchmen Street | Patrick O'Connor | ||
| 2009 | Runnersup | 18 | Let Freedom Ring | Bernard Pryor | ||
| 2009 | Runnersup | 18 | Mrs Gertie's Bonnet | Dorman Haymon | ||
| 2008 | AM | 31 | Raspberry Rilla | Rilla Hickerson | 2004 | 2011 |
| 2008 | AM | 26 | Enviable | M. D. Faith | 2006 | |
| 2008 | Runnersup | 23 | James Faith | M. D. Faith | ||
| 2008 | Runnersup | 21 | Longue Vue | Dorman Haymon | ||
| 2007 | AM | 41 | Henry Rowlan | M. D. Faith | 2005 | 2009 |
| 2007 | AM | 28 | Ann Faith | M. D. Faith | 2003 | |
| 2007 | Runnersup | 25 | Raspberry Rilla | Rilla Hickerson | ||
| 2006 | AM | 25 | Great White Hope | Dorman Haymon | 2003 | 2008 |
| 2006 | AM | 25 | Night Thunder | RIchard Morgan | 2004 | 2010 |
| 2006 | Runnersup | 24 | Raspberry Rilla | Rilla Hickerson | ||
| 2006 | Runnersup | 22 | Hush Money | Mary Dunn by Joe Ghio | ||
| 2005 | AM | 38 | My Friend Dick | M.D. Faith | 2003 | 2007 |
| 2005 | AM | 31 | Pumpkin Chiffon | D. L. Shepard | 2003 | |
| 2005 | Runnersup | 30 | Great White Hope | Dorman Haymon | ||
| 2004 | AM | 30 | Peaches In Wine | Heather Pryor | 2002 | 2006 |
| 2004 | AM | 28 | Jazz Hot | Heather Pryor | 2000 | |
| 2004 | Runnersup | 18 | Prix D'Elegance | Heather Pryor | ||
| 2004 | Runnersup | 16 | Hush Money | Mary Dunn by Ghio | ||
| 2003 | AM | 31 | Lone Star | F. Campbell | 2001 | |
| 2003 | AM | 28 | Atchafalaya | F. Campbell | 2000 | |
| 2003 | AM | 28 | Whistling Dixie | M. Dunn | 1999 | |
| 2003 | Runnersup | 26 | Jazz Hot | H. Pryor | 2000 | |
| 2003 | Runnersup | 23 | Beale Street | K. Vaughn | 2001 | |
| 2003 | Runnersup | 23 | Creole Rhapsody | J. Mertzweiller | 2001 | |
| 2003 | Runnersup | 23 | Plantation Belle | M. Dunn | 1999 | |
| 2002 | AM | 38 | Hot and Spicy | H. Pryor | 2000 | 2004 |
| 2002 | AM | 34 | Red Velvet Elvis | K. Vaughn | 2000 | 2005 |
| 2002 | AM | 29 | Rich Jewel | R. Morgan | 1999 | |
| 2002 | Runnersup | 28 | Plantation Belle | M. Dunn | 1999 | |
| 2002 | Runnersup | 26 | Acadiana Sunset | R. Goula | 1998 | |
| 2001 | AM | 47 | Professor Fritchie | J. Mertzweiller | 1998 | |
| 2001 | AM | 40 | Cajun Sunset | M. Granger | 1997 | 2003* |
| 2001 | AM | 25 | Kentucky Cajun | S. Norris | 1999 | |
| 2001 | Runnersup | 23 | Cotton Plantation | M. Dunn | 1997 | |
| 2001 | Runnersup | 21 | Acadiana Sunset | R. Goula | 1998 | |
| 2000 | AM | 37 | Professor Marta Marie | J. Mertzweiller | 1996 | |
| 2000 | AM | 30 | Aunt Shirley | J. Mertzweiller | 1996 | |
| 2000 | Runnersup | 23 | Professor Fritchie | J. Mertzweiller | 1998 | |
| 2000 | Runnersup | 22 | Far and Away | M. Dunn | 1996 | |
| 1999 | AM | 36 | Praline Festival | D. Haymon | 1995 | |
| 1999 | AM | 24 | Geisha Eyes | C. Arny | 1996 | |
| 1999 | Runnersup | 23 | Professor Marta Marie | J. Mertzweiller | 1996 | |
| 1999 | Runnersup | 22 | Rokki Rockwell | D. Haymon | 1995 | |
| 1998 | AM | 34 | Cajun Sunrise | J. Mertzweiller | 1994 | 2000 |
| 1998 | AM | 34 | Extraordinaire | M. Dunn | 1995 | 2002 |
| 1998 | Runnersup | 31 | Geisha Eyes | C. Arny | 1996 | |
| 1998 | Runnersup | 28 | Professor Marta Marie | J. Mertzweiller | 1996 | |
| 1997 | AM | 42 | Professor Neil | J. Mertzweiller | 1995 | 1999 |
| 1997 | AM | 35 | Cajun Cookery | B. Hager | 1994 | |
| 1997 | Runnersup | 31 | Praline Festival | D. Haymon | 1995 | 2001 |
| 1997 | Runnersup | 31 | Professor Barbara | J. Mertzweiller | 1995 | |
| 1996 | AM | 80 | Cherry Cup | R. Morgan | 1993 | |
| 1996 | AM | 44 | C'est Fantastique | M. Dunn | 1994 | |
| 1996 | Runnersup | 40 | Cajun Cookery | B. Hager | 1994 | |
| 1996 | Runnersup | 37 | Just Helene | J. Mertzweiller | 1994 | |
| 1995 | AM | 70 | Bayou Mystique | M. Dunn | 1993 | 1998 |
| 1995 | AM | 53 | Coup D'etat | M. Dunn | 1993 | |
| 1995 | Runnersup | 50 | Cherry Cup | R. Morgan | 1993 | |
| 1995 | Runnersup | 43 | Wild Cajun | H. Rowlan | 1993 | |
| 1995 | Runnersup | 33 | Waverly Pink | E. Lineberger | 1991 | |
| 1994 | AM | 60 | C'est Bonne | M. Dunn | 1990 | |
| 1994 | AM | 49 | Ashley Michelle | J. Mertzweiller | 1991 | |
| 1994 | Runnersup | 44 | Waverly Pink | E. Lineberger | 1991 | |
| 1994 | Runnersup | 41 | Professor Sigmond | J. Mertzweiller | 1990 | |
| 1994 | Runnersup | 39 | Delta Belle | M. Dunn | 1990 | |
| 1993 | AM | 37 | Voodoo Magic | H. Rowlan | 1991 | 1997 |
| 1993 | AM | 32 | Professor Jim | J. Mertzweiller | 1989 | 1996 |
| 1993 | Runnersup | 31 | Tomato Bisque | R. Morgan | 1989 | |
| 1993 | Runnersup | 30 | C'est Bonne | M. Dunn | 1990 | |
| 1993 | Runnersup | 29 | Satchmo | M. Dunn | 1989 | |
| 1992 | AM | 54 | Jeri | N. Bertinot | 1990 | 1994 |
| 1992 | AM | 46 | Sinfonieta | R. Raabe | 1990 | |
| 1992 | AM | 37 | Kay Nelson | M. Granger | 1990 | 1995 |
| 1992 | Runnersup | 33 | Professor Jim | J. Mertzweiller | 1989 | 1996 |
| 1992 | Runnersup | 33 | Tomato Bisque | R. Morgan | 1989 | |
| 1992 | Runnersup | 32 | Plantation Beau | M. Dunn | 1987 | |
| 1992 | Runnersup | 30 | Cajun Country | B. Hager | 1988 | |
| 1992 | Runnersup | 30 | C'est Bonne | M. Dunn | 1990 | |
| 1992 | Runnersup | 30 | Chateau Michelle | M. Dunn | 1988 | |
| 1991 | AM | 51 | Exquisite Lady | A. Owen | 1989 | |
| 1991 | AM | 41 | Frank Chowning | H. Rowlan | 1989 | 1993 |
| 1991 | AM | 36 | Mississippi Gambler | M. Dunn | 1987 | |
| 1991 | Runnersup | 32 | Professor Jim | J. Mertzweiller | 1989 | 1996 |
| 1991 | Runnersup | 31 | C'est Chic | M. Dunn | 1986 | |
| 1991 | Runnersup | 31 | Sea Wisp | H. Rowlan | 1987 | |
| 1990 | AM | 55 | Elusive Butterfly | J. Ghio | 1986 | |
| 1990 | AM | 43 | Ruth Sloan | R. Sloan | 1987 | |
| 1990 | AM | 39 | Red Echo | H. Rowlan | 1987 | |
| 1990 | Runnersup | 37 | Mississippi Gambler | M. Dunn | 1987 | |
| 1990 | Runnersup | 36 | Creole Queen | M. Dunn | 1988 | |
| 1990 | Runnersup | 33 | Plantation Beau | M. Dunn | 1987 | |
| 1989 | AM | 61 | Gulf Shores | M. Dunn | 1984 | |
| 1989 | AM | 41 | Delta Dove | M. Dunn | 1987 | |
| 1989 | AM | 38 | Sunny Episode | H. Rowlan | 1986 | |
| 1989 | Runnersup | 36 | Elusive Butterfly | J. Ghio | 1986 | |
| 1989 | Runnersup | 36 | Ruth Sloan | R. Sloan | 1987 | |
| 1989 | Runnersup | 30 | Crisp Lime | M. Dunn | 1985 | |
| 1988 | AM | 54 | Bajazzo | M. Dunn | 1983 | 1992 |
| 1988 | AM | 39 | Professor Paul | J. Mertzweiller | 1984 | |
| 1988 | AM | 37 | Buxom | M. Dunn | 1983 | |
| 1988 | Runnersup | 34 | Little Miss Sims | F. Chowning | 1983 | |
| 1988 | Runnersup | 32 | Elusive Butterfly | J. Ghio | 1986 | |
| 1988 | Runnersup | 31 | Gulf Shores | M. Dunn | 1984 | |
| 1987 | AM | 66 | Delta Dawn | M. Dunn | 1985 | |
| 1987 | AM | 64 | Rhett | M. Dunn | 1985 | 1991 |
| 1987 | AM | 47 | President Hedley | J. Mertzweiller | 1982 | |
| 1987 | Runnersup | 40 | Bajazzo | M. Dunn | 1983 | 1992 |
| 1987 | Runnersup | 38 | Valera | C. Arny | 1982 | |
| 1987 | Runnersup | 32 | Graceland | M. Dunn | 1982 | |
| 1987 | Runnersup | 29 | Little Miss Sims | F. Chowning | 1983 | |
| 1986 | AM | 49 | Black Gamecock | F. Chowning | 1982 | 1989 |
| 1986 | AM | 40 | Acadian Miss | C. Arny | 1982 | 1990 |
| 1986 | AM | 40 | Mary's Charlie | M. Dunn | 1984 | |
| 1986 | Runnersup | 33 | Colorific | J. Mertzweiller | 1981 | |
| 1986 | Runnersup | 33 | Valera | C. Arny | 1982 | |
| 1986 | Runnersup | 32 | Shrimp Louis | B. Hager | 1981 | |
| 1986 | Runnersup | 31 | President Hedley | J. Mertzweiller | 1982 | |
| 1985 | AM | 63 | Count Pulaski | F. Chowning | 1982 | |
| 1985 | AM | 52 | C'est Magnifique | M. Dunn | 1982 | |
| 1985 | AM | 39 | Full Eclipse | B. Hager | 1980 | |
| 1985 | Runnersup | 37 | Black Gamecock | F. Chowning | 1982 | 1989 |
| 1985 | Runnersup | 35 | Acadian Miss | C. Arny | 1982 | 1990 |
| 1985 | Runnersup | 31 | President Hedley | J. Mertzweiller | 1982 | |
*The Handbook for Judges and Show Officials, 2007, published by AIS.
**Cajun Sunset was voted the Award of Merit and the Debaillon Medal. The iris was not distributed or grown widely. Many members of the SLI feel that the AIS judges were confused by the similarities in name and thought they were voting for a previous Debaillon Medal winner, Cajun Sunrise