Common Name: Spanish Moss
Latin Name: Tillandsia usneoides
Family Name: Bromeliaceae (Pineapple)
Geographical Range: Native to the southeastern United States, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
Fun Fact: Despite its name, Spanish Moss isn’t a moss but an epiphytic bromeliad, meaning it gets its nutrients from the air and rain rather than from the tree it hangs on. It’s also related to the pineapple!
Uses by people: Historically, Spanish Moss was used as stuffing material for mattresses, furniture, and car seats.
Uses by animals: Birds use Spanish Moss to build nests, and some small animals, like frogs, may use it for shelter.
Role in their ecosystem: It helps retain moisture in the air and contributes to the local microclimate of humid forests
