Not a moss at all , so - call Spanish moss ( Tillandsia usneoides ) is a member of the Bromeliaceae mob , which also let in pineapples . This rocky , grey , lace - alike works is rife in the South , where it hangs from the tree branch of bouncy oak tree Tree . Sun - tolerant and demand little H2O , Spanish moss grows well in fast - draining , loose filth , on tree branches or on slab of barque . Spanish moss has been used as stuffing for mattress or pillows , as decoration or in flowered display .
Stuffing
In Louisiana , where Spanish moss hangs from live oaks throughout the state , it has historically been used as a stuffing for mattress in the southern part of the land , though this use is now limited to mostly rural areas . Spanish moss is also used as a filler in overstuffed furniture . Spanish moss may be used to gormandize the voodoo dolly sold throughout New Orleans and as the hair on family - made dame .
Decoration
Spanish moss is popular with florists as it can be used as mulch on top of a potted plant to serve retain wet . The flora is simply insert around the radix of the flora , covering the dirt and giving it a clean but natural flavour . In addition , in some parting of the Dixieland , Spanish moss may be mounted to plaques and hung as wall ribbon .
Building Material
Spanish moss may be mixed with mud or clay as a binder and used in the construction of chimney or plaster . Like crush huitre shells , which in Florida are sundry with cement to create tabby , Spanish moss strengthens the mixture and also tot some grain .
Spanish Moss Really A Moss?
This evocative symbol of the Deep South drapes bald cypress ( Taxodum distichum ) , crape myrtle ( Lagerstroemia indica ) , alive oak ( Quercus virginiana ) and pines ( Pinus spp . ) , The characteristically wispy , branchy stanch up to 25 feet long are cover by scaly 1- to 3 - inch fibril - mould leaves . former human beings ’s whiskers ( Usnea spp . ) The more well distinguished lace lichen ( Ramalina menzieslii ) , sometimes call " California Spanish moss " or " fishnet moss , " festoon tree in area with sufficient humidity along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to the Baja peninsula . Spanish moss is a moisture wick that can absorb ten time its free weight in water along with folio and barque food from rainfall overflow . To get free of some or all of your moss , use a long - handle rake or a hooked pole . Beware of disturbing occupier such as xanthous warblers or bats . Herbicide utilisation is not commend . Propagated plants do n’t usually blossom . Spanish moss is sensible to air defilement . Remove with tongs to avoid burns .
