Spanish moss is neither Spanish nor is it a moss. It is
atillandsia, one of a large genus of tropical and
subtropical"airplants" in the bromeliad family of plants, a family
of plants which ranges from Spanish moss to pineapples, many of
which have various economic, medicinal, and culinary functions.
Although Spanish moss and other tillandsias grow on other
plants, they are not parasitic. Tillandsias are covered with scales
to trap water and nutrients. Of course, if Spanish moss grows too
heavy, it can break the limbs of its host tree, or it can shade the
tree so thoroughly as to prevent the tree's photosynthesis.
It surprises people that Spanish moss has flowers, but it
does—and I've heard that people who have an allergy to its
pollen suffer considerably. After the flowers, the plant forms
seeds, which are so small that they can be distributed by the
wind.
Spanish moss has been harvested for use in upholstery and in
floral arrangements. Scientists have examined its possible
medicinal values.
The Legend Of The Spanish
Moss