Plants & People
Plantas y Gente
Native or indigenous plants are those that occur naturally in a particular region, or ecosystem. They have existed for centuries supporting life, increasing biodiversity, and
playing an important role in soil and water conservation.
Texas is one of the most biologically diverse states, with over 5,000 native plants and 10 ecoregions that range from the arid High Plains to the lush Gulf Coast. However, at least 41 of its plant species have been listed as threatened or endangered. Habitat destruction, fragmentation and the loss of genetic diversity due to land clearing are among the many threats to our native plant species.
The graphic includes the following Texas wildflowers that are recognized as endangered plant species.
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Texas poppymallow, Callirhoe scabriuscula
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Comanche Peak prairie clover, Dalea reverchonii
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Puzzle sunflower, Helianthus paradoxus
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Big red sage, Salvia penstemonoides
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Bracted twistflower, Streptanthus bracteatus
The Zapata bladderpod is a rare species of flowering plant in the mustard family that is found in Zapata and Starr Counties has been listed as endangered since 1999. The prostrate milkweed - a native plant crucial for the survival of monarch butterflies - was added to the endangered species list last year.
The well-being of native plants is one way to measure the overall health of the environment. The extinction of native species serves as a warning of disruption to our natural ecosystems.
PlantArte native plant art contest & exhibit
PlantArte is a celebration of native plants through botanical art, offered by Arte Sana's Plants & People, Plantas y Gente project and the following partners:
Through the PlantArte handmade native plant art contest and online exhibit, participating artists will help raise awareness of the role of native plants in preserving the biodiversity of our many ecoregions.
In honoring the beautiful resilience and many gifts of native plants, we hope to help promote local and regional ecology through community engagement and stewardship.
Thanks to our collective outreach effort, we not only met but exceeded expectations regarding the number of art submissions received AND the diverse mediums used in this first ever PlantArte native plant art contest. The native plant art collection includes paintings, drawings, as well as clay, tattoo and cookie art from professional botanical artists, self-taught artists, and many native plant advocates ages 14 to 76.
A special thank you to all who submitted handmade native plant art, our wonderful PlantArte partners, and to those artists who are also members of the following
Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) chapters!
We also received art from Arizona, Florida, and Oklahoma as well and look forward to showcasing more native plant art from across the US and México in 2025!
The 2024 PlantArte Contest Art Themes
The #plantarteexhibit was launched on Earth Day 2024!
