Spanish-moss (Tillandsia usneoides)

As I looked out I thought it was snowing, but the warm and sunny weather was causing the capsules of the Spanish-moss (Tillandsia usneoides) to begin splitting open, releasing the dandelion-like seed into the air.





capsules split open to
release the seeds


Spanish moss grows on the trees here in Savannah and Port Wentworth

Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is a flowering plant that grows upon larger trees, such as the Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana), Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum), pecan (Carya illinoinensis)



Live oak (Quercus Virginiana)

with Spanish moss




Spanish moss on pecan trees





Spanish-moss
(Tillandsia usneoides)



fragrance of the tiny
Spanish Moss flowers

is most noticeable in the
night air, from April to July



Spanish-moss (Tillandsia usneoides)
 inconspicuous blooms of pale green






















Tillandsia usneoides
Family: Bromeliaceae (bromeliad or pineapple Family)


Tillandsia are epiphytes and need no soil because water and nutrients are absorbed through the leaves. The roots are used as anchors only.



seed capsules appear after flowers
These will open and dandelion-like
seeds will fly away






.