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MASTER GARDENERS: Native or nativar?
Summary by The Odessa Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Master Gardeners , Odessa American (oaoa.com)
· July 19, 2026
· 3 min read
By Emmy Ulmschneider
Permian Basin Master Gardener
You are tired of row after row of English green turf landscapes down your street and have become interested in having a yard that reflects America. You have attended several lectures on the importance of native plants and the critical role they p...
Story provenance No corrections
Summary created by The Odessa Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Master Gardeners, Odessa American (oaoa.com) Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 19, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway You have attended several lectures on the importance of native plants and the critical role they play in supporting our native American wildlife, particularly our birds and pollinators.
Why this matters in The Odessa
For Odessa residents looking to create a more sustainable and wildlife-friendly yard, the distinction between native plants and nativars is crucial. As the Permian Basin Master Gardener emphasizes, native plants have evolved over time to form ecological ties with local wildlife, providing essential support for birds and pollinators. In contrast, nativars, while bred from native plants, may not offer the same benefits due to their altered traits. This difference can have significant implications for local biodiversity, which is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and the services they provide, such as clean air and water. By choosing true native plants, Odessa residents can contribute to preserving the region's unique natural heritage and supporting the local wildlife that depends on it. As the community continues to grow and develop, prioritizing native plant species can help mitigate the impact of urbanization on the environment and preserve the natural beauty of the Permian Basin.
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: July 19, 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
You are tired of row after row of English green turf landscapes down your street and have become interested in having a yard that reflects America. You have attended several lectures on the importance of native plants and the critical role they p...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 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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