It’s that stuff that gently sways in the breeze as it drapes over the branches of an old oak tree in the South, right? But what really is Spanish moss? Is it actually Spanish? Is it actually a moss — or something else entirely? Today we’re going to take an in-depth look at the most commonly-grown air plant in the United States and find out all about its history, growth habits, and a few common uses for its foliage.

The name “Spanish moss” actually originated as “Spanish beard”. Native American tribal people called it “itla-okla”, which meant “tree hair”. Some French thought that it resembled a conquistador’s long beard and began calling it “Barbe Espagnol”, or Spanish beard. While the Spaniards retaliated by referring to it as “Cabello Frances”, or French Hair, it never caught on.

https://www.epicgardening.com/spanish-moss-tillandsia-usneoides/