Wildlife Viewing - With Your Child

drawing of family With Your Child

Spanish Moss

photo of spanich moss hanging from tree
Spanish Moss in Live Oak

Whether it is swaying in the breeze or hanging limp and motionless in the humid summer air, Spanish moss (Tillandsia usnoides) is a classic symbol of the South. There are some surprises to discover about this plant, so grab a hand lens or magnifying glass and take a closer look.

First, Spanish moss is not Spanish and is not a moss. It is in fact, more closely related to a pineapple (another plant from the bromeliad family) than to any moss. It is an epiphyte (a plant that receives its moisture and nutrients from the air) that begins life as a windblown seed that settles in the rough bark of trees such as live and laurel oak, cypress and pecan.

Seedlings nourish themselves on dust and moisture and then begin to produce their own chlorophyll. With a lens, notice the covering of silver-gray scales that help trap water and dust. When dry, these scales hide the green chlorophyll color. Tiny yellowish-green flowers appear between April and July. The clumps of Spanish moss, which are actually clusters of individual plants, were once used to stuff upholstery. Many animals use Spanish moss. Flying squirrels and parula warblers, for example, use it as nest material.

photo of spanish moss close up
Close up view of Spanish Moss