As you enjoy the coastal South, you can’t miss one of our most iconic botanical residents, Spanish moss. Despite the name, it is not actually moss, but a flowering bromeliad, which makes it a distant cousin of the pineapple.
Spanish moss is an epiphyte, meaning it grows without soil. It gathers moisture and nutrients directly from the air and rain, rather than “feeding” on the plants it calls home. If you look closely between April and July, you can find its tiny, easily missed flowers, nestled between the silver stems.
It is a plant that has woven itself into our history. Native American tribes utilized it for medicine, bedding, dwelling construction, and in the construction of canoes and pottery. By the early 20th century, Spanish moss became a commercial product, processed in moss gins. It was exported to Europe and used domestically in pillows, car seats, and woven material for blankets.
Today, it remains a champion of sustainability. It serves as a biodegradable packing material, mulch in planting beds, decorative soil cover for houseplants, flower arrangements, biodegradable material in compost piles, and vermicomposting. Beyond its benefits to humans, it is a vital ecological hub, creating essential habitats for birds, bats, and beneficial insects.
In our therapeutic horticulture programming through N.C. Cooperative Extension at the New Hanover County Arboretum, Spanish moss is an abundant and easy-to-use resource and a profound teacher. We highlight the plant’s adaptability, surviving without soil and evolving to live off rainwater, tree run-off, and humidity.
It serves as a metaphor for collaboration, using larger trees as structural support, while simultaneously providing shelter to other creatures. It models resilience. During our coastal storms, the moss survives by moving with the wind rather than fighting against it. It reminds us that flexibility is often a greater strength than rigidity.
If you want to use Spanish moss at home, remember it is a living ecosystem. Moss found on the ground can host chiggers, which leave an itchy bite. To safely bring it indoors for crafts or décor, simply microwave it for 30 seconds to clear out any tiny inhabitants.
As we move into spring and early summer, take a closer look at these silvery tapestries. Seek out their subtle flowers and take note of their scent. Whether you use it as sustainable packing material or to stuff outdoor cushions, every small step we take to engage, conserve, and appreciate local nature helps build a more resilient community. Often, a small shift in how we perceive the world around us leads to the most positive internal change.
The N.C. Cooperative Extension Center for New Hanover County is located at the Arboretum. Please support the therapeutic horticulture program at the Ability Garden’s 3rd Saturday Plant Sales, 9 am – 1 pm, at the Arboretum. Reach Heather Kelejian, Therapeutic Horticulture Agent at hlkeleji@ncsu.edu or 910-798-7660.
