Spanish Moss

Look above and around you! All over you will see Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides). Spanish moss has a few misconceptions; no, it is not from Spain. Spanish moss is also not parasitic; but in the Tillandsia family, making it a distanct cousin of a pineapple! Spanish moss once was commonly used for purposes such as stuffing pillows, mattresses, and even the first Model T but Ford! Soon humans realized how many bugs (ticks, red bugs) thrive in the safety of the moss and moved to less itchy alternatives.