Lakeside Spanish Moss Tree
by Paul Rebmann
Title
Lakeside Spanish Moss Tree
Artist
Paul Rebmann
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
A Spanish moss draped live oak tree on the shore of Lake George.
This image has been featured in the following groups:
A Gorgeous Green - Nature and Photography only (7/16/2023)
Photographed in the Lake George Conservation Area in Volusia County. Lake George is the largest lake along the St. Johns River and the second largest lake in Florida.
Spanish moss is a distinctive characteristic airplant of the southeastern United States and can be found throughout Florida, most often in live oak and bald cypress trees. The range extends though the coastal states from Maryland into Texas, plus Arkansas.
Tillandsia usneoides is an epiphyte consisting of slender, curvy, silvery-scaled stems and leaves making up pendulous bundles that hang from tree branches. Flowers and fruit are inconspicuous.
The species name is derived from the similar appearance to the lichens of the genus Usnea, usually called old man's beard.
Spanish moss does not directly harm the host trees, although thick populations can block the light to lower leaves, resulting in less growth, and can also cause problems in high winds due to increased wind resistance.
Uploaded
July 15th, 2023
Embed
Share