The Story of Spanish Moss

The Story of Spanish Moss

and its Relatives

What It Is and How It Grows

By

Raymond J. Martinez

HOME PUBLICATIONS

4231 Airline Hoghway

New Orleans, Louisiana

Copyright 1959 by Home Publications

----------------------------------------------------

Printed in the United States of America

I am pleased to acknowledge that in the preparation of this work I have received most valuable

information and assistance from Mr. Alvin L. Woods, who is himself the owner of a large moss

ginning business at Lutcher, LA.

The Cover

THE DUELLING OAKS

Spanish Moss once grew in great abundance on the DUELLING OAKS in City Park at New

Orleans but it does not grow there now. The reason is not definitely known. It has been observed

that trees shading dwellings are always free of moss, and that is generally attributed to the fumes

or smoke which naturally arise from cooking and heating.

These oaks, in the lower section of the beautiful park, were known as "Chenes d' Allard" or

Metairie Oaks. They are on a spot which was once the plantation of Louis Allard, a man of

letters and a poet of considerable ability. That portion which is now the lower section was

purchased before his death by John McDonogh at a sale made for foreclosure of a mortgage by

the Citizens' Bank of New Orleans. McDonogh left it to New Orleans and Baltimore. The City of

New Orleans acquired it in full ownership at a partition sale

Here under these magnificent oaks was the "field of honor," where many duels took place. If a

man so much as smiled at the slight mishap of another or ridiculed him in any manner he was

likely to be challenged to a duel. It is difficult for a person of this generation to understand the

inordinate vanity of men of the duelling period of the history of New Orleans. An apology was

seldom offered, for it was almost certain to be refused. Indeed, a man had to mind his manners or

fight.

LIVE OAKS AND SPANISH MOSS

This grove of oaks at Chalmete, just below new Orleans, is believed to be the finest in existence.

The date the 79 trees were planted is uncertain but it is supposed that they are 150 years old.

They served as a canopy from the Mississippi River, which was the principal artery of

transportation, to the Chalmette plantation home, part of the walls of which is still standing.

Chalmette was the scene of the Battle of New Orleans -- 1812. Spanish moss hangs like long

beards from the trees. It has not retarded their growth.

The Story of Spanish Moss

Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is an air-feeding plant or epiphyte found mainly upon

cypress, gum trees, oaks, elms, and pecan trees in South Louisiana and Florida. It is not a

parasite and does not live off the trees upon which it grows, nor is it harmful to the trees. It has

been noticed, however, that its presence on pecan trees tends to reduce the yield, owing, no

doubt, to the fact that to some extent it shadows the buds of the fruit.

When the French first came to Louisiana they asked the Indians what this hair-like plant was and

were told that it was "tree hair," or 'Itla-okla," as they called it. The French thought it reminded

them of the long black beards of the Spanish explorers who had come before them, and advised

the Indians that a better name was "Spanish Beard, " or "Barbe Espagnol. " The Spaniards,

consider- ing this a term of ridicule, asserted that a more appropriate name was "Cabello

Francés," or "French Hair." The Indians thought "Barbe Espagnol" sounded better and for many

years Louisiana moss was referred to only as "Spanish Beard." But this name did not last; it

seemed too ridiculous. The accepted name became Spanish moss.

The Area in Which Moss Grows

This moss grows in the area comprising the extreme southern portion of Virginia and the Gulf

Coast country from Florida to Texas in varying quantities. But its yield in commercial quantities

is in the lower Mississippi Valley, and especially in the swamp lands of Louisiana and Florida or

where the rainfall is heavy. Louisiana has an annual average precipitation of about 56 inches, and

Florida has nearly as much. While high temperatures and high rela- tive humidity are favorable

to the growth of moss, it can stand extremes of cold and drought for long periods.

Propagation

Spanish moss is not propagated by seeds but by fragments or festoons. These fragments are

carried from tree to tree by birds and the winds. Birds frequently use strands of moss in building

their nests, and in this way distribute the festoons. Evergreen trees seldom have moss on them,

for the green leaves tend to ward off the festoons carried by the winds or dropped by birds. In the

fall and winter when the trees lose their leaves, fragments of moss attach themselves to the bark.

A moss which springs from a festoon or fragment grows to a great length, often reaching 10 to

20 feet. In the early summer this plant produces a very small yellow flower, hardly visible to the

naked eye. Moisture and dust from the air produce all the nourishment necessary to keep the

plant alive and growing. The plant absorbs water readily; it is, in fact, about twenty-five percent

water.

Uses of Moss

The fibre of SPANISH MOSS was originally used in Louisiana for mattresses, and in

upholstering, and as a hinder in the construction of mud and clay chimneys. It was also used

extensively for binding mud or clay in plastering houses. In more recent years it is used almost

exclusively as a filler in overstuffed furniture and upholstery. Probably less than one per cent of

the total commercial moss is now used in the manufacture of mattresses. Its use in mattresses is

confined to the southern part of Louisiana, usually in the suburban and rural sections.

SPANISH MOSS (before and after curing) consists of an outer bark of a greyish color which

protects the fibre within. This bark is mostly sap and vegetable matter and decomposes very

rapidly when moistened sufficiently and placed into piles. Within this bark is a very resilient,

wiry fibre which is the commercial moss used in overstuffed furniture, upholstery, mattresses,

automobile seats, and cushions of various kinds.

Demand for Spanish Moss in Recent Years

In 1927 about 1200 carloads of Spanish moss were shipped out of Louisiana, valued at about

$2,500,000. In 1940 about 500 carloads were shipped out of Louisiana, valued at about

$750,000. This steady shrinkage in demand is owing primarily to increased use of cheaper

imported fibres, such as sisal from Mexico, and the increased use of resilient rubber pads made

in America. The State of Florida, where moss is also produced, has captured some of Louisiana's

moss trade but not much. It is estimated that at the present rate of decline the moss industry of

Louisiana will be negligible by 1961, unless there is a promotional campaign of some kind

organised to increase the demand.

Beginning of Commercial Use

From the best information available, shipments of moss on a commercial scale began shortly

after the War Between the States, when the upholsterers in the furniture trade began to use it in

considerable quantities. This trade continued, and has been greatly increased since the value of

moss became better known.

Difference in Strength of Fibre

In the lower sections of Louisiana green moss has a light coat of bark and a heavy and longer

fibre. In the upper sections (over 100 miles from the Gulf) the bark is heavier, probably as a

protection against colder weather, and the fibre is much lighter, shorter, weaker, and not as

strong as the fibre from moss of the lower and more swampy section.

Why Moss is Desirable for Stuffing

No known insect will attack moss fibre, eat, destroy or live within it. Moss ranks next to curled

hair in resiliency. That is why it is desirable for use in upholstery. Owing to the large amount of

waste matter and the resultant loss of weight with each handling, moss is, contrary to current

opinion, not a cheap filler for furniture. It is used only in the finest and most expensive furniture

or cushions.

THE ABSINTHE HOUSE

This building on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, was erected in 1806 as a combination residence

and business establishment. Today it is the famous Absinthe House, Spanish moss was used as a

binder for the plaster. This moss is in good condition today, after 153 years. Moss fiber seems to

be everlasting.

Durability of Moss

Moss was once used as a binder in mud clay or cement for building houses. Recently this mud

clay, bound with moss over 150 years ago, was broken up and dissolved. After being washed and

cleaned, the moss was found to have lost none of its resiliency.

Why Spanish Moss Varies in Rotor

The fibre of moss will range in color from a light brown to a dull black, jet black, and in rare

cases to a glossy black. The varying shades of color are due to the presence of humus in the soil

on which the moss is cured. On high and sandy land it is usually light in color. In low and

swampy sections and on black land it will cure into a jet and at times into a glossy black color.

Where Spanish Moss Grows

Spanish moss will grow only on a tree. It will not grow on vines, wooden fences, fence posts,

wire fences, telephone poles, buildings or any other place except a tree. It will not thrive or grow

on trees under which there is a cabin or a residence from which the smoke of a fireplace or a

stove arises, nor will it grow on trees except in the area indicated in this book.

Moss Mattress is Cool in Summer

Air readily permeates a moss mattress. For this reason it is most desirable in warm climates. It is

also the reason that a moss mattress is desirable for babies during the summer months—but for

summer months only. During the winter it is necessary to place paper under the moss mattress

and extra covering on top. This must be done in the case of adults as well as babies. It is a simple

matter to place heavy paper under the moss mattress in winter and take it away in summer. A

moss mattress is the coolest that can be used.

THE CABILDO, NEW ORLEANS

This building was constructed in 1795. Whenever a stand of moss is found in the plaster of the

walls it is in very good condition. Spanish moss was used frequently as a binder in clay for the

construction of buildings.

Is Moss Edible?

Spanish Moss fresh from the tree (before curing) is eaten by livestock during the winter months

in much the same manner that hay is consumed. The outer bark of the strands (of a greyish color)

probably contains some nourishment but not much. The fibre within this bark has no nutritive

value but it serves as bulk. It is very doubtful that any animal could survive on a diet of green

moss alone.

The Curing Process

Moss is grey when it comes from the tree; its color is a greyish white. It appears to be soggy or

damp. In this condition it is unfit for commercial use. Only the black, hair-like strands (after

being cured) are fit for commercial use. Curing is a long process. Some moss merchants or

gatherers make mounds of the moss about five feet high and ten feet around. It is kept damp so

as to cause the bark to decay and leave the fibre or hair-like strands free and firm. When this bark

begins to peel off, the moss is either spread out or hung on the fence to dry so that it can be

ginned. Other merchants or gatherers dig a pit and place the moss in it, thus hastening the decay

of the outer coating or bark. It is then treated the same as the moss cured by the mound method

before it is ready for ginning. The curing process by either method requires from three to four

months. The curing of moss reduces the weight by approximately 75 per cent.

The bark or outer coating of the moss rescued in the curing and ginning is a very valuable by-

product used as a mulch along with ordinary soil.

The waste matter in rough and cured moss will vary from 35 per cent to 75 per cent, and consists

mainly of earth, sticks or twigs, dust, dried bark or husk, leaves and weak fibre. Owing to this

waste matter almost every handling of rough moss entails a loss in weight. In recent years this

waste after being well rotted from 5 to 8 years is useful as a mulch around azaleas, rose bushes,

and other kinds of horticultural plants.

A BALE OF MOSS, CURED AND GINNED. READY FOR SHIPMENT

Production and Distribution

Moss is not produced or handled commercially in any states other than Louisiana and Florida.

Approximately 98 per cent of all commercial moss is shipped to upholsterers in the North, East

and West.

Annual Production

A large tree in a dense forest of Louisiana may produce as much as a ton of grey or green moss.

The weight is reduced about 80 per cent when the moss is cured. Thus, a ton of green moss

yields a quarter of a ton of ginned moss.

Spanish moss was once used only for packing breakable goods. But the upholstering trade soon

discovered that it was excellent for cushions. It is now used for cushioning the seats of chairs and

davenports for living rooms. Its uses in upholstering are, of course, unlimited.

Moss Gin Machinery

The ginning process of the cured or dried moss cleans out the twigs, dirt, trash, and all foreign

matter. The moss gin is a simple affair. The moss is first hand picked; that is, all the large pieces

of foreign matter, such as bark and lumps of mud, are removed. The moss is then placed on a belt

which carries it to a toothed cylinder revolving within a toothed concave, which is partly

enclosed in a drum. Fans blow out the dirt, the moss is loosened up, and the strands are

straightened. The moss is then baled and made ready for shipment. A bale of moss weighs from

125 to 150 pounds.

The Moss Picker

There is no such thing as a moss farmer. A man may own a farm on which there is a dense forest,

and may gather his own moss. But as a rule he either sells it or gives it to a moss gatherer. The

gatherer sells it to a gin already cured. For the cured moss he naturally receives a higher price

The moss gatherer goes from place to place picking moss where he finds it. As in every other

kind of business, some of the moss gatherers do well, even make good sums of money; others

merely eke out an existence.

MOSS-HUNG TREES ALONG THE BAYOUS OF LOUISIANA

IN THE OIL PRODUCING SECTIONS

MAKE BEAUTIFUL SCENERY.

SPANISH MOSS IN A CYPRESS SWAMP IN LOUISIANA

Here Spanish moss is difficult to gather. Rafts and boats are used.

Peat Moss, Reindeer Moss and Club DIoss

Peat moss (or sphagnum), reindeer moss, club moss, and Spanish moss are not related.

PEAT MOSS is decayed vegetation found in bogs. It is formed by slow decay of plants,

sedges, reeds, the trunks of trees and rushes. It is an early stage in the formation of coal, and is

commonly used as a mulch. Peat moss is found mainly on the Scottish border on extensive beds

called peat mosses, occupying the surface of the soil or covered to the depth of a few feet with

sand and gravel. It is the common fuel of large districts of Wales, Ireland and Scotland, and some

parts of England where coal is scarce. From it are made lint and antiseptic dressing for wounds.

Under pressure it becomes so hard that machinery bearings can be made of it. It has been used to

line refriger- ators and cold storage rooms, and to cover steam pipes. In its natural state it is used

generally as a mulch for plants in shipping and also in hothouses and gardens.

CLUB MOSS is any plant of the family Lycopodium, or any plant which comprises creeping

or moss-like structure, such as the clavatum, the common club moss, and the ground pine, both

used as Christmas decorations. Club moss is also a fine yellowish powder consisting of the

spores of certain species of this genus, used in dusting on sores and on pills to prevent them from

sticking. It is highly inflam- mable, and is used in making fireworks and in producing stage

lighting.

A MOSS-LADEN TREE

Spanish moss in rare instances takes over the tree. But in the spring the green leaves

will show themselves through the moss however abundant it may be.

GINNING MOSS AFTER IT IS CURED

IRISH MOSS

Irish moss is a reddish seaweed found off the coast of Ireland. When cooked it yields a gelatine

which is used in puddings, or a jelly which, being easily digested and nourishing, is used for

invalids. A substance derived from Irish moss is also used as textile sizing. In sections where it is

found in great abundance it is used for feeding cattle. Some people refer to this seaweed as

carragheen rather than as Irish moss.

This particular weed called 'Irish moss" has no relation whatsoever to any other type of moss.

Peat moss found on the Dingle Peninsula (Ireland) is used as a source of heat, especially for

cooking and breadmaking. Some of the best meals ever served to kings or peasants in the British

Isles were cooked with peat. For some unknown reason it is a very fine source of heat for

cooking.

According to Ripley, a peat fire has been burning in an inn in Pickering, England, continuously

for 150 years. The castle on a hill to the north of this town is a picturesque ruin. It was partly the

work of the Normans but the principal portions are of the 14th century. The story of the Fair

Rosamond* is connected with one of the towers. This same castle was the prison of Richard II

before his confinement at Pontefract.

Footnote:

* The Fair Rosamond was the mistress of Henry the Second, King of England. Many legendary

stories have been written about her.

MOSS AS A CURTAIN

Spanish moss is sometimes hung on wire to make a curtain for swimming pools,

outdoor dining areas, or drive-in-theatres.

Now you know all about Spanish moss !!!