Spanish moss
noun
an epiphytic plant, Tillandsia usneoides, of the southern U.S., having narrow, grayish leaves and growing in long festoons that drape the branches of trees.
Origin of Spanish moss
An Americanism dating back to 1815–25
British Dictionary definitions for spanish moss
Spanish moss
noun
an epiphytic bromeliaceous plant, Tillandsia usneoides, growing in tropical and subtropical regions as long bluish-grey strands suspended from the branches of trees
a tropical lichen, Usnea longissima, growing as long trailing green threads from the branches of trees
Also called:
long moss