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The use of woven spanish moss blankets and saddle pads was adopted by Conferderate calvalry during the civil war. If there is enough bloated moss on a thin, weak, or dead limb it can cause the limb to break off. When the moss absorbs moisture its weight can increase tenfold.
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The only damage it may cause is by breaking a weak limb. Spanish moss receives all of its nutrients and moisture from the air and is not considered a parasite to the tree, it only uses the tree for support. source Spanish moss is an EpiphyteĮpiphyte: a plant that grows on another plant without directly gaining nourishment from it. Native Americans told them the plant was called Itla-okla, which meant “tree hair.” The French were reminded of the Spanish conquistadors’ long beards, so they called it Barbe Espagnol, or “Spanish Beard.” The Spaniards got back at them by calling the plant Cabello Francés, or “French Hair.” The French name won out, and as time went by Spanish Beard changed to Spanish moss. Spanish moss was given its name by French explorers. If Spanish moss isn’t Spanish or a moss, how did it get it’s name? Contrary to popular belief, Spanish moss does not kill trees, limbs or branches. Spanish moss grows from Texas to Virginia generally staying in the moister areas of the south. Spanish moss is actually native to Mexico, Central America, South America, the United States and the Caribbean where it can grow in a tropical environment. Spanish moss is part of the bromeliad family which places it in the same plant family as pineapples and succulent house plants. Spanish moss isn’t Spanish, and it’s not moss It’s a symbol of nature at its most relaxed.īut how much do you really know about Spanish moss? Spanish moss-draped oaks are the consummate image of the Lowcountry and are there just about everywhere you turn.Īn image of beautiful Spanish moss hanging from majestic trees instantly reminds us of sultry summer days in the South. Spanish moss is a symbol of nature at its most relaxedĪ large part of the natural beauty of Beaufort and the rest of the South is the silver garland that hangs from our live oak trees.