Spanish Moss
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ in a Minute
Episode Archive
Episode #301 | Original Air Date: April 26, 2021
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Transcript
Spanish moss is a tangled-looking, gray bromeliad that droops from oaks and telephone lines throughout Florida and much of the southeast.
Spanish moss is not a parasite. It’s actually an epiphyte, meaning it gets all of its nutrients from the air and rainwater. Spanish moss does not need to be removed from your trees. It has an important role in Florida’s ecology.
Many animals and insects use Spanish moss for protection, taking cover in the thick masses.
Spanish moss is also a significant component of the nests of several species of birds, including the parula warbler and the Baltimore oriole.
So be a good host and let your Spanish moss hang out in your yard.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ in a Minute is a production of the University of Florida’s Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program, IFAS Extension, and WUFT-FM in cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
