It was this term that eventually evolved into the common name Spanish Moss. Since spanish moss is rootless, it lives attached to the trunks and branches of trees such as cypress, elms, gum trees, and especially live oaks. The stem of this plant, reaching a length of up to six feet, is covered with small scales which enable it to collect the moisture it needs from th air. During the early summer months, the moss produces extremely small yellow flowers that can barely be detected with the naked eye. These flowers do not aid in reproduction.
Spanish moss produces spores, much like other epiphytes.
Fragments of the plant, containing these spores, are carried from one tree to another by wind and birds. These birds use spanish moss to line their nests. Humans have found many uses for his beautiful plant. It often doubles as packing material and as a stuffer for upholstered furniture. In Louisiana, it has been used as a filler for mattresses.