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MASTER GARDENERS: Connections in native gardens
By Master Gardeners at Odessa American (oaoa.com)
· June 21, 2026
· 3 min read
By Emmy Ulmschneider
Permian Basin Master Gardener
I am always amazed by the connections between native plants and the organisms they support. As I started to cut back last year’s dried flower stalk from my Saccahuista or Beargrass, Nolina microcarpa, I noticed that both a praying mantis and a gr...
Key takeaway As I started to cut back last year’s dried flower stalk from my Saccahuista or Beargrass, Nolina microcarpa, I noticed that both a praying mantis and a green lacewing had chosen to lay their eggs on the old flower stalk.
Why this matters in The Odessa
The Permian Basin Master Gardener's observations on native plants like Saccahuista or Beargrass highlight the unique connections between these species and the local ecosystem. In Odessa , where residents often face the challenges of gardening in a dry, arid environment, native plants like Nolina microcarpa offer a resilient and low-maintenance alternative. The fact that Nolina species are native to various regions of Texas, including the High Plains and the Rio Grande area, suggests that they could thrive in Odessa's climate. As the City of Homes continues to grow and develop, incorporating native plants into local gardens and green spaces could help support biodiversity and provide a haven for pollinators and other beneficial organisms. By embracing native gardening practices, Odessa residents can create beautiful and sustainable outdoor spaces that reflect the region's unique character and help to preserve its natural heritage.
About this story
Original reporting by Odessa American (oaoa.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Odessa American (oaoa.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 21, 2026 ·
Source: Odessa American (oaoa.com) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Emmy Ulmschneider
Permian Basin Master Gardener
I am always amazed by the connections between native plants and the organisms they support. As I started to cut back last year’s dried flower stalk from my Saccahuista or Beargrass, Nolina microcarpa, I noticed that both a praying mantis and a gr...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 21, 2026 by Odessa American (oaoa.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Master Gardeners at Odessa American (oaoa.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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