Ball moss has caused concern among homeowners in the southwest part of Texas for many years.
Ball moss is an epiphyte.
The plants form root-like holdfasts which penetrate into the rough bark of the tree. These holdfasts often completely encircle a limb. Spread is by windblown seeds which are produced on 3 to 4 inch long stalks. The seed are light and are covered with a fluffy material which aids in their movement. Within the last few years, the plant has been spreading eastward from its former Southwest Texas habitat.