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. It is through the stem scales that the plant takes in nutrients and water; the plant gains none of this from the host tree. Tiny flowers, solitary, subtended by greenish bracts; petals 9-11 mm long, light green.
Plant Trivia: Was used extensively in the early to mid 1900s for stuffing cushions, mattresses, and upholstery until synthetic materials became available. Harbors pests such as ticks, chiggers and mites.
Field Identification: Long, stringy plant draped over limbs of trees.
Occurrence: Common in motts 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 