THE LONG GREY OR SPANISH MOSS 
By Georgia Torrey Drennan 
all our native epiphytes the long grey moss, 
Tillandsia usneoides, is the most abundant. 
From the Dismal Swamp to the Gulf of Mexico in 
all heavily timbered lowlands it depends in long, 
feathery sprays from the branches of evergreen and 
deciduous trees; a picturesque, and a somewhat weird 
feature of vegetation. 
Embedding its roots in the bark, it derives its 
sustenance from the air, not depriving trees of any 
vital properties. It partakes of the nature of the 
sylva of the Gulf coast in strength and luxuriance. 
The live-oak, pine, magnolia, cedar and cypress 
trees of the Gulf of Mexico are gigantic. The moss 
clothes them in misty grey on the under side of the 
branches, in rank profusion, with the foliage in green 
on the upper side. Yards long, full and fluffy, the 
moss covers the trees from top to bottom, except 
pines, which seem to be too tall to suit its inclina¬ 
tion. Oaks are more heavily draped than magnolias 
or cedars. The bark of oaks furnishes ideal lodg¬ 
ment for the bird-sown or wind-blown seed. 
Time was when long grey moss was considered a 
novelty, without any useful properties. This is not 
the case now. It is extensively used in upholstery, 
mattresses, and in saddles, carriages and horse- 
collars. Vats are constructed near the source of 
supply, and the moss is packed in a dampened 
condition to sweat, which removes the outer grey 
cuticle, leaving the wiry, hlack strands, which 
resemble horsehair. It is known in commerce 
as vegetable hair, and is sold in bales. It is one 
of the most valuable products of the Gulf coast. 
Seldom are seacoast sections agricultural, the 
land being composed almost entirely of sand. 
Decaying vegetable matter is a source of fertility to 
only a limited extent, as there is too little adhesion 
in the sandy soil for retention. Nevertheless, the 
moist air, the heat and the subterraneous sources 
of constant moisture are productive of the finest 
timber, probably, in any section of the United 
States. It is impossible to convey an exact idea 
of the charms of the level shell roads, long-stretch¬ 
ing, broad and level, and as white as snow, shaded 
by trees that are the picture of luxuriance in mingled 
green foliage and misty grey moss. The wonder 
never ceases that the thousands of pounds of moss 
torn from the trees for commercial purposes an¬ 
nually, make no appreciable difference in the 
lavish quantity the trees naturally support. 
The narrow, awl-shaped leaves recurve in a 
manner suggesting tiny spoons, that hold the 
moisture and vitalized air that feeds the moss. 
Its constant repair, of the strippingTrom the trees, 
is like a miracle; its growth is apparently never 
arrested. The grey moss is a popular decorative 
plant in winter. It is sent by car loads, with holly, 
palmetto and mistletoe, to cities for Christmas 
decorations. 1 he light and filmy grey combines 
softly and beautifully with the dark green of cedar, 
palms, and palmetto; also with the bristling, bright 
green holly in all sorts of decorative schemes. 
MOSS ON A FLORIDA OAK 
285 
