What is Spanish Moss?

Spanish Moss hanging and cascading from huge live oak trees is one of the most popular scenic sights to see here in the South, but what is it exactly? Spanish moss is actually not a true moss at all. It’s an epiphyte, or more commonly known as an ‘airplant’. Epiphytes are organisms that grow on the surface of the plant and derive its nutrients from the humidity and dust in the air. This means that this specific moss is not at all harmful to the trees that it grows on because it does not need to take any nutrients away from the tree to ensure its own survival, creating a commensalistic symbiotic relationship between the trees and the Spanish moss. 

Another reason why Spanish moss is not actually a true moss species is because true species reproduce with spores, whereas Spanish moss reproduces with seeds. These seeds are similar to dandelion seeds in appearance, as well as in the way that they float in the air until they land on a suitable spot to grow. This is why Spanish moss seems to be growing absolutely everywhere in the Southern humidity. 

Spanish moss is also not at all Spanish. It is native to Mexico and South America, but not Spain. The name originates from French explorers calling it ‘Tree hair’ based on its appearance. ‘Tree hair’ later became ‘Spanish beard’ due to its resemblance to the long beards of the people of Spain, which eventually evolved to the familiar name that we know today.