Tillandsia usneoides/Spanish Moss

Spanish moss hanging from branches of an oak tree
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Spanish moss hanging from branches of an oak tree	Long, thin, threadlike silvery-gray foliage	Mass of Spanish moss hanging from tree branches
Thin strands of foliage	Strands of Spanish moss hanging from a crape myrtle


Scientific Name:	Tillandsia usneoides
Common Name:	Spanish Moss
Plant Type:	Evergreen
Hardiness Zone:	8, 9, 10, 11 Determine Your Zone
Height:	2- 5 feet
Spread:	3 -5 feet
Light Exposure:	Sun, Part Sun, Filtered Shade, Shade, Morning sun
Drainage:	Well drained, Moist
Rate of Growth:	Moderate
Water Requirement:	Medium
Maintenance Level:	Low
Susceptible to insects and diseases:	Yes

Comments:	Spanish moss is an epiphytic plant that absorbs moisture and nutrients from the atmosphere and uses other plants only for support. It is environmentally sensitive and quite site specific about where it will grow. It thrives in certain micro-climates but is difficult to establish in other places where conditions are not favorable. Spanish moss hangs in large silvery-gray festoons from trees and large shrubs.