Native to the Southeastern U.S. and Tropical America. Primarily coastal from Virginia to Florida and west to Texas but also found near wetland habitats. Will grow in many species of trees preferring live oak, across wires and around poles. The leaves catch water and collect nutrients leached from dead bark leaves and dust particles that accumulate in the tree canopy. They also photosynthesize energy from the sun.
Small insects can burrow into the leaves and seedpods.
Several years as young buds form from the parent plant. No, however the weight of wet moss during rain storms may cause rotted or weak branches to break loose. Oxbow's Own Along the Riverwalk and around Oxbow Meadows this time of year the trees look as though they've been decorated with garlands of Spanish Moss. This page is part of the Columbus State University Web site. Send mail to the CSU Webmaster with questions or comments about this Web site.