Tillandsia usneoides (L.) L.

Spanish Moss; Old Man's Beard

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Spanish Moss is a native perennial herb in the Pineapple family (Bromeliaceae). It can be found in the southern half of Alabama. Spanish Moss is an epiphyte—it is not rooted in the soil but grows on another plant or sometimes powerlines, fence wire, or other object for support. It is not a parasite, but derives its water from rain or fog and its nutrients from trapped dust and debris such as fallen leaves. Spanish Moss grows as a mass of elongate stems hanging downward from a support. The small filiform leaves are 2-ranked, involute (rolled inwards on the upper side), and have entire margins. The leaves and stems are covered in dense silvery-gray scales. Inconspicuous flowers are produced in inflorescences concealed within the leaf sheath. Each fragrant flower has 3 glabrous ovate sepals and 3 yellow-green petals. The fruit is a capsule. Seeds have a basal, white, feather-like appendage that aids in wind dispersal. Spanish Moss does not directly harm the trees on which it grows, but if abundant can block sunlight reaching the lower leaves and can cause weak limbs to break due to the added weight. Spanish Moss was harvested at one time to stuff chairs and mattresses, and for use as a packing material. Now it is mostly collected for use in dried flower arrangements and for craft projects. Yellow-throated Warblers, Northern Parulas, and Orchard Orioles build their nest in hanging mats of Spanish Moss. Many other bird and mammal species also incorporate it into their nests, and Northern Yellow Bats use it as a roosting site. Spanish Moss is sometimes cultivated as a novelty, and is available from some nurseries. It prefers bright, indirect light and should be thoroughly watered about once a week. It has been introduced in Australia, Hawaii, and Polynesia.—A. Diamond.

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Native

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