Mark A. Miller
Family
Bromeliaceae
Botanical Name
Tillandsia usneoides
Plant Common Name
Graybeard, Spanish Moss
General Description
Large trees draped with Spanish moss bring to mind beautiful landscapes of the American South. Often mistaken for a lichen, Spanish moss is in fact a tiny bromeliad. It is an epiphyte (tree dweller) that produces long, hanging strands of wavy, pale gray-green foliage that dangles from the branches of trees without doing them harm. Spanish moss is an evergreen, perennial that exists across a very broad geographic area, from the southeastern United States southward to Argentina.
The long, dangling leaves of this bromeliad are narrow, tubular and wiry. They have a felt-like surface and no roots. It obtains moisture from ambient humidity and rain and gains nutrients from runoff from the branches and leaves above it. In early summer it produces tiny, difficult to detect chartreuse flowers on its leaves. In winter, or the tropical dry season, the plants tend to become a more ghostly grayish white. Central American forms of Spanish moss have slightly larger leaves that are more ornate.
Grow Spanish moss in partial sun to partial shade. Air circulation is important to prevent rotting. Strands can be pulled away and relocated to new trees or hanging baskets. If humidity is high the plants can tolerate more direct sunlight. Protect it from harsh winter cold and drying winds and refrain from planting it where summers are arid.
Use Spanish moss as a decoration on tropical tree branches, orchid boxes or hanging baskets. It also looks great as topdressing for floral arrangements. It can become quite large and form heavy clumps on trees that can be easily thinned out to lessen the load. Trees covered in Spanish moss are usually old. When they begin to deteriorate, it is common for onlookers to mistakenly blame the Spanish moss.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Epiphyte
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
Southeastern United States, South-Central United States, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, South America, Argentina
Growing Conditions
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Prostrate/Trailing
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow Green, Chartreuse
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Gray Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Light Green, Gray Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Light Green, Gray Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Gray Green, Silver, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
