A wide variety of ferns grow in the moist conditions of the swamp. The giant leather fern, the largest North American fern, can grow as tall as 14 feet. Sword, shield, strap, royal, and swamp ferns are among the other types found here. In contrast to the enormous giant leather fern, water spangles are tiny ferns that float on the surface of the water. The Cypress Swamp is also home to a profusion of epiphytes, or air plants.
Spanish moss is another epiphyte.
Its narrow hairy gray leaves grow draped over branches. These plants are harmless to the trees they grow on. They use them only for support. They obtain their nutrients from the decomposing plant and insect matter that falls on them and from the rain and moisture in the air. The variety of life in the swamp seems almost limitless.