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Tillandsia usneoides (L.)L.
Spanish Moss
Florida native
This airplant is a distinctive characteristic of the southeastern United States and can be found throughout Florida, most often in live oak and bald cypress trees. The range extends though the coastal states from Maryland into Texas, plus Arkansas.
An epiphyte consisting of slender, curvy, silvery-scaled stems and leaves making up pendulous bundles that hang from tree branches. Flowers and fruit are inconspicuous.
The species name is derived from the similar appearance to the lichens of the genus Usnea, usually called old man's beard.
Spanish moss does not directly harm the host trees, although thick populations can block the light to lower leaves, resulting in less growth, and can also cause problems in high winds due to increased wind resistance.
Tillandsia usneoides is a member of the Bromeliaceae - Bromeliad family.
Other species of the Tillandsia genus in the Wild Florida Photo database:
Tillandsia balbisiana - NORTHERN NEEDLELEAF
Tillandsia bartramii - BARTRAM'S AIRPLANT
Tillandsia fasciculata var. densispica - CARDINAL AIRPLANT
Tillandsia fasciculata var. clavispica - GIANT AIRPLANT
Tillandsia floridana - FLORIDA AIRPLANT
Tillandsia recurvata - BALLMOSS
Tillandsia setacea - SOUTHERN NEEDLELEAF
Tillandsia simulata - MANATEE RIVER AIRPLANT
Tillandsia utriculata - GIANT AIRPLANT
Tillandsia variabilis - SOFT-LEAVED WILD PINE
Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants (Institute for Systemic Botany) profile for this species
iNaturalist profile for this species
USDA Plant Profile for this species
Date record last modified: Jul 15, 2023
