08/13/2019
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Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides)
Do you have…. Spanish Moss on your trees? Spanish moss in truth is not moss at all. Spanish Moss is actually a bromeliad, a herb in the pineapple family. Bromeliads, including Spanish moss are epiphytes. Epiphytes do grow on other plants, but do not get their nutrients from the host plant. Epiphytes get their nutriention from the air and absorb moisture from the air too. Some people think that Spanish Moss hurts their trees, but the Spanish moss doesn’t. When trees are not healthy Spanish moss will be found, but it does not hurt the tree. Healthy trees also have Spanish moss, but they grow faster than the moss so it isn’t a problem.
To get rid of the Spanish moss you can pull the moss off of the tree and/or call an arborist to help you remove the moss. The arborist will tell youmthe options to get rid of the moss in your trees.
What has Spanish Moss been used for in the past/present? Spanish Moss was harvested to stuff automobile seats for cushioning, furniture, mattresses, and even used for insulation in walls. Nowadays it is used for packing material for shipping and in the floral industry and mulch for gardens. Birds use it in their nests and it is also used by small wildlife as shelter. Be aware that chiggers are in the Spanish Moss so before extended handling you can put it into the microwave to be sure they won’t be chewing on you.
For more info refer to the UF publications found below.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep485
http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/suwanneeco/2017/12/18/spanish-moss-is-related-to-pineapples/