Spanish moss

noun

1. an epiphytic plant, Tillandsia usneoides, of the southern U.S., having narrow, grayish leaves and growing in long festoons that drape the branches of trees.

Spanish moss

noun

1. an epiphytic bromeliaceous plant, Tillandsia usneoides, growing in tropical and subtropical regions as long bluish-grey strands suspended from the branches of trees
2. a tropical lichen, Usnea longissima, growing as long trailing green threads from the branches of trees

Word History and Origins

Origin of Spanish moss¹

An Americanism dating back to 1815–25