Spanish Moss
Q: I’m fairly new to the South and I have a question that none of the natives have been able to answer for me. I’m hoping you can. What causes Spanish moss to grow on one tree when the tree next to it has none? I know it sounds silly but this question is making me crazy!
Thanks,
Misty
A: Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is one of the signature plants of the Deep South. It is an epiphyte, meaning that it uses trees for support, but doesn’t draw moisture or nutrients from them, although rainwater running down the bark may supply it with both. You generally see it most often along the coast, because it needs high humidity and mild winter temperatures to survive.
Why do you see it certain trees and not others? It tends to favor:
• Trees that have lots of large, well-spaced branches
• Trees whose branches are more horizontal than vertical
• Trees with rough bark that provide a good foothold
Among its favorite hosts — live oak, bald cypress, red cedar, hackberry.
One additional factor is the willingness of the tree to be a happy host. Spanish moss can grow so profusely in a tree that it interferes with photosynthesis by blocking sunlight from reaching the leaves. So certain trees, such as camphor, release chemical substances that kill Spanish moss.
Hope this helps,
The Grump
I have wondered that too! I love it when it’s on magnolia trees, like at Live Oak Cemetery in Selma.
You don’t see it as much on magnolias as other trees.
Spanish Moss is an excellent filler in flower pots. It dresses up the pot and is good at holding in moisture.
I would like to know if Spanish Moss will eventually kill off the tree that serves as the host.
While it is possible that Spanish moss might smother a tree by growing so heavily that it interferes with photosynthesis, this is highly unlikely. Killing the host would ultimately kill it too.
I have tried to transplant Spanish Moss with very limited success. I tried to copy the micro climate and solar orientation but still not much luck. Pointers anyone?
Where are you located?
I have Okame cherry that i noticed had what appears to be spanish moss starting to grow in Novemer 2011. It was full of buds as usual but did not bloom in late Feb when the other one did. It still has not bloomed as of today, Easter 4/8/12. It has now about a dozen leaves but more moss is growing. Is the moss indicative of another problem? We live in upstate SC near Charlotte NC. The tree is about 10 yrs old?
Sue,
The fact that your cherry did not bloom, only a few leaves, and is home to Spanish moss tell me it’s not healthy. You may need to replace it.
I think that Spanish Moss is a desease that kills beautiful trees . I visitedFlorida recently and cried for the loss of all those trees. Why do people accept it and not do anything to stop it? I did not think it is beautiful.
Patricia,
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but most people find Spanish moss to be beautiful. It does not kill trees.