Spanish Moss | Plant - Encyclopedia Britannica

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External Websites
  • Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University - College of Agriculture and Sciences - Spanish Moss
  • United States Department of Agriculture - Spanish moss
Spanish moss
Spanish moss Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides). (more)
Spanish moss plant Ask Anything Homework Help Also known as: Tillandsia usneoides, black moss, long moss, vegetable horsehair(Show More) Written and fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors History Britannica AI Icon Britannica AI Ask Anything Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask Anything

Spanish moss, (Tillandsia usneoides), epiphyte (a nonparasitic plant that is supported by another plant and has aerial roots exposed to the humid atmosphere) of the pineapple family (Bromeliaceae). It is found in southern North America, the West Indies, and Central and South America.

Also called: Black Moss, Long Moss, orVegetable Horsehair (Show more) Related Topics: Tillandsia (Show more) See all related content

The silvery-gray plant often grows in large, beardlike masses. It has threadlike stems up to 6 to 7.5 metres (about 20 to 25 feet) long. The leaves, also threadlike, are about 2.5 to 7.5 centimetres (1 to 3 inches) long. The yellow flowers, which appear rarely, are stalkless, have three yellow petals, and three sepals, and usually grow singly. Hairlike scales that cover the whole plant absorb water from the air. Spanish moss sometimes is used as a filler in packing boxes and as upholstery.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.

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