Ideas for Hanging Spanish Moss

Not a moss at all, so-called Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is a member of the Bromeliaceae family, which also includes pineapples. This rough, gray, lace-like plant is prevalent in the South, where it hangs from the limbs of live oak trees. Sun-tolerant and requiring little water, Spanish moss grows well in fast-draining, loose soil, on tree branches or on slabs of bark. Spanish moss has been used as stuffing for mattresses or pillows, as decoration or in floral displays.

Stuffing

In Louisiana, where Spanish moss hangs from live oaks throughout the state, it has historically been used as a stuffing for mattresses in the southern part of the state, though this use is now limited to mostly rural areas. Spanish moss is also used as a filler in overstuffed furniture. Spanish moss may be used to stuff the voodoo dolls sold throughout New Orleans and as the hair on home-made dolls.

Decoration

Spanish moss is popular with florists as it can be used as mulch on top of a potted plant to help retain moisture. The plant is simply tucked around the base of the plant, covering the dirt and giving it a clean but natural look. In addition, in some parts of the south, Spanish moss may be mounted to plaques and hung as wall decoration.

Building Material

Spanish moss may be mixed with mud or clay as a binder and used in the construction of chimneys or plaster. Like crushed oyster shells, which in Florida are mixed with cement to create tabby, Spanish moss strengthens the mixture and also adds some texture.

Spanish Moss Really A Moss?

This evocative symbol of the Deep South drapes bald cypress (Taxodum distichum), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), live oak (Quercus virginiana) and pines (Pinus spp. ), The characteristically wispy, branchy stems up to 25 feet long are covered by scaly 1- to 3-inch filament-shaped leaves. Old man’s beard (Usnea spp.) The more easily distinguished lace lichen (Ramalina menzieslii), sometimes called “California Spanish moss” or "fishnet moss," festoons trees in areas with sufficient humidity along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to the Baja peninsula. Spanish moss is a moisture wick that can absorb ten times its weight in water along with leaf and bark nutrients from rainfall runoff. To get rid of some or all of your moss, use a long-handled rake or a hooked pole. Beware of disturbing occupants such as yellow warblers or bats. Herbicide use is not recommended. Propagated plants don’t usually flower. Spanish moss is sensitive to air pollution. Remove with tongs to avoid burns.