What is “Spanish moss”?
Spanish moss is an epiphyte that is related to the pineapple. It lives off the air, rain, and decaying organic matter, not the tree. Most often found in large oak trees, Spanish moss cannot kill a tree. Its biggest threat to the tree is because it can absorb large amounts of water and it’s wet weight can cause branches to break. Spanish moss is used by wildlife. In the tree canopy it shelters rat snakes, bats, insects and other creatures and birds use it in nest building.
