Tillandsia usneoides

spanishmossfull
(Photo by Jessica Bartek)

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Taxonomy (1,2)

Classification: Angiosperm, monocot
Family: Bromeliaceae
Common name: Spanish Moss

General Information (1,2)

Region of Origin: Southeastern United States and Central to South America
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 8-11
Growth Habit: Epiphytic herb

  • Size: Can reach 20 feet long
  • Flowering: Late summer
  • Fruiting: Fall to winter

Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves (1,2)

  • Shape: Scales
  • Other: White, silver, gray

Flower (1)

  • Color: Pale green to blue
  • Other: Fragrant at night, inconspicuous

Horticultural Information (1,2)

  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Landscape Uses: Mulch, privacy screen
  • Other: Prefers high humidity, susceptible to air pollution

Interesting Facts (1)

  • Can be used for bedding and packing if treated for pests first

References

1) Christman, S. (2006, June 3). #571 Tillandsia Usneoides. [http://www.floridata.com/ref/T/till_usn.cfm]
2) USDA- United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d) [http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=TIUS&photoID=tius_002_ahp.tif]

Prepared by Imani Mann as a course requirement for BIOL 3630/5630, Spring 2013
Edited by Jessica Bartek