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

The tactile master – Spanish moss – used for the Sun.

From Salon ● Mar. 27, 2024

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 20, 2024

Despite a massive daily cleanup operation that leaves the post-parade landscape remarkably clean, uncaught beads dangle from tree limbs like Spanish moss and get ground into the mud under the feet of passers-by.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 11, 2024

The trees draped in Spanish moss were even spookier, the brambly bushes thicker, the hairy vines more twisted.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter