Spanish moss

Description:

You can find spanish moss draped over trees and swaying in the breeze in the United States, flourishing in swamps and other wet habitats, commonly found in the deep South. This plant does not come from Spain and it is not a moss. They are epiphytes which means they grow on other plants but do not rely on them for nutrients. They take nutrients from the air and debris that collects on the plant. Spanish moss has permeable scales that “catch” moisture and nutrients. Spanish moss does not have any roots. It wraps its stems around a surface. It does not need roots for water and nutrient uptake, since all parts of Spanish moss have that ability. Spanish moss is commonly found on oak and cypress trees, but can grow on other plants as well. Spanish moss is a perennial herb in the pineapple family.

Habitat:

There is lots of spanish moss hanging from the live oak trees here at Crooked River State Park in St Marys, GA