History at a Glance: Spanish Moss

The beauty of Spanish moss floating from tree limbs has long been associated with the Old South. Spanish moss is a plant and not actually moss. A plant that thrives on water and air, it grows well in subtropical climates, especially on live oaks and cypress trees.

Spanish moss can be found from Natchez to New Orleans, an area that was once claimed by French so it is no surprise that French explorers are the ones who partly responsible for the name “Spanish moss.” The Native American tribes called Spanish moss “Tree Hair.” The French explorers called it “Spanish Beard” after the long beards worn by the Spanish explorers. Not to be outdone, the Spanish called it “French Hair.” The French outlasted the Spanish in the South and the name “Spanish Beard” stuck and eventually became Spanish moss.

Spanish moss was found to be useful by the American colonists. They mixed it with mud to make mortar when they were building their homes. They harvested it, dried it, and used it for several purposes: tinder for the fireplace, ropes, and wove it into fabric for clothes. They also made mattresses filled with Spanish moss as the airy moss was found to stay cool on hot nights.

 I recently made a trip to Natchez where I photographed crepe myrtles covered in Spanish moss. Such a pretty sight!