How does spanish moss form

Should I hire someone to remove it? First, Spanish moss is not moss at all. Spanish moss is technically a bromeliad. Spanish moss does not anchor itself to a tree with roots. When the scales on Spanish moss leaves take in water and enlarge, the plant can appear green.

Otherwise it looks gray. It does not kill trees or contribute to their decline. There is no need to remove it. Even its weight is generally a non-issue because it is not enough to impact a tree. A limb festooned with Spanish moss that breaks off was most likely already compromised and would have broken off with or without the moss.

The only reason to remove Spanish moss is in cases where its growth is so thick that it is blocking sunlight from reaching the leaves of the host tree. Spanish moss prefers climates with high heat and humidity. It thrives in locations with at least frost-free days per year. The stems of Spanish moss can grow 20 feet long and harbor pollinators for its flowers, such as the zebra longwing butterfly.

The spent flowers yield seed pods that turn brown and split open when they mature to release feathery seeds that float on wind currents.

Its mysterious appearance in trees is demystified by knowing that new plants come from the germination of its seeds. Bark cracks, crevices and branch crotches provide places where the airborne seeds lodge and germinate.

Spanish moss plants are also created through asexual propagation with a little help from nesting birds. The feathery strands of the plant are plucked by birds to weave and line their nests. New plants arise from these severed plant fragments. Likewise, the wind may carry pieces of Spanish moss to other trees where they grow into new plants.

Native American women used it for dresses in the past. It can be used as an arbor roof or to hang over a chain-link fence for privacy, but since it will only live in trees, you have to replenish the supply as the moss dies. American colonists mixed Spanish moss with mud to make mortar for their houses—some of which are still standing strong.

Dried moss makes good tinder for fires, and you can make it into blankets, rope, and mattress filling. Mattresses filled with Spanish moss are noted for staying cool on a warm summer night. Because it soaks up and retains water, it is also used for garden mulch. Many kinds of wildlife take advantage of Spanish moss. Birds use it to build nests. Frogs and spiders live in it. Boll weevils are especially drawn to Spanish moss, but moths are not, which is one reason it was preferred over wool in upholstery before synthetic fibers replaced both.

Those who gather Spanish moss are warned against chiggers, but experienced collectors say chiggers only invade the moss after it touches the ground. Before tackling a mound of Spanish moss, you will want to be on guard for snakes that may be hiding in it.

Hillebrand Steve, U. Gentry George, U.