Tillandsia usneoides
Family: Bromeliaceae
Plant Description: Epiphytic perennial with hanging threadlike stems scaly and gray; narrowly linear gray or gray-green leaves 3-5 cm long. Flowers solitary, subtended by greenish bracts; petals 9-11 mm long, light green.
Plant Trivia: Was used extensively for stuffing cushions, mattresses, and upholstery until synthetic materials became available. Harbors pests such as ticks, chiggers and mites. Stem scales are important in trapping water and nutrients carried by air.
Field Identification: Long, stringy plant draped over limbs of trees.
Occurrence: Common in mottes and along wooded streams. Prefers protected environments with higher humidity.
Bloom Period: May-June
Plant Use:
Key to the species of Tillandsia:
- Stems llong, hairlike…………………………………………………………T. usneoides
Stems short or absent…………………………………………………………………………2
2. Leaves mostly 1-2 mm wide…………………………………………...T. recurvata
Leaves wider……………………………………………………………………………T. baileyi
stxflora 