Tillandsia usneoides

Spanish moss is not related to mosses at all, but is in fact closely related to the pineapple and other bromeliads or "air plants." It is gray when dry and light green when wet and it hangs from tree branches in wind blown festoons that may reach 6 m (20 ft) or more in length. The stems and leaves are slender and curly, and covered with tiny silvery-gray scales that catch water and nutrients (in dust particles) from the air. Spanish moss has no roots. The flowers are inconspicuous, pale green or blue, and fragrant at night. It is not a parasite, however, occasionally, can become so thick that it shades the leaves of its host, or, when heavy with rainwater, breaks a branch. Although a tree might be weakened, it would not likely be killed by Spanish moss.

It is often used in decorative floral arrangements and handicrafts.

In its native counties Tillandsia usneoides has a multitude of uses. It is even used as packing material or to make mulch in the garden.

 

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