Spanish moss - Ecology, Human Uses

A plant (Tillandsia usneoides), an epiphyte, related to pineapple, native to warm parts of America. The roots are present in the seedlings only; the mature plants are anchored by winding around tree branches and hanging in grey festoons. It is able to survive very dry conditions. The slender stems are covered with scaly hairs which absorb water directly from the atmosphere. Greenish, 3-petalled flowers are occasionally produced. It is used to stuff upholstery, hence its alternative name, vegetable horsehair. (Family: Bromeliaceae.)

iSpanish moss
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Liliopsida Order: Bromeliales Family: Bromeliaceae Genus: Tillandsia Species: T. usneoides
Binomial name
Tillandsia usneoides (L.) L.

Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) closely resembles its namesake (Usnea, or beard lichen).

Ecology

In the southern U.S., the plant seems to show a distinct preference of growth on southern live oak and swamp cypress, but it can colonize in other tree species such as sweetgum, crape-myrtle, other oaks, or even pine.

It can grow so thickly on tree limbs that it gives a somewhat "gothic" appearance to the landscape,

Human Uses

Spanish moss is sometimes bought for use in arts and crafts, or for beddings for flower gardens, but the plant in its natural habitat can contain chiggers, also known as "redbugs," (which are tick-like arachnids which cause raised welts and considerable itching). To this day, if one will stand under a live oak tree, one will hear the moaning of the woman and will see the moss jump from tree to tree.