Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides)

Spanish moss is an "air plant." It has no true roots, and it lives on the branches of trees. How is it possible for a plant to live in the air, without roots in the soil?

Instead of having roots, Spanish moss has special leaves that absorb water and minerals dissolved in the water. The moss usually lives on branches close to the trunk of a tree. As water from rain or humidity runs down the trunk of the tree, the moss leaves are able to absorb some of the water. Understandably, Spanish moss grows in humid areas. It is often found on live oaks and cypress trees growing near rivers and lakes in the southeastern United States.

How do these air plants get onto trees in the first place?

Spanish moss reproduces by "vegetative growth" and by flower seeds. Vegetative growth is a trait many plants have. Vegetative growth happens when a small piece of a plant breaks off and regrows as its own, whole plant. In Spanish moss, wind may break off small pieces of moss and carry them to new trees. The new, small pieces of Spanish moss absorb water and may grow to a full size plant. Spanish moss also gives rise to new plants through flower seeds. Spanish moss is not really a moss ? it is actually a flowering plant related to the delicious pineapple. It blooms in late spring and releases seeds the following winter. The seeds have an important adaptation: "hair," which acts as a parachute. Instead of the seeds falling straight to the ground, the hairs catches the air and they float down slowly. During their parachute there is opportunity for the wind to blow them onto other trees.

Spanish moss once was used to stuff furniture and car seats. It is a bad idea to use it for bedding when you are camping because insects like Chiggers and other biting insects live in the moss.