Spanish moss

American  

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.

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Spanish moss British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of Spanish moss

An Americanism dating back to 1815–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Spanish moss

High in the Andean mountains of Ecuador, Tony, a large, male spectacled bear, shelters from the midday heat beneath the shade of a century-old fig tree draped in Spanish moss.

From BBC ● Feb. 21, 2025

Spanish moss hangs from branches of black cypress trees like funeral veils.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 20, 2024

“Wouldn’t it be cool to have hanging Spanish moss trailing down to your hibiscus sitting next to you?”

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 21, 2023

The wilderness, which straddles the Georgia-Florida border, is a mire of winding, midnight waters, giant cypress trees cloaked in Spanish moss, and peat islands floating among alligators and lily pads.

From Salon ● Feb. 5, 2023

It was hard to believe, but the cap’n smiled, and I know for sure it was a smile ’cause most the Spanish moss moustache was now on the barbershop floor.

From "The Journey of Little Charlie" by Christopher Paul Curtis