These cypress trees live in and around the lake at a city park David and I visited in December. The walk around the lake is five miles which I’ve done in years past and might do again one day. Most of the trees are hung with Spanish moss, which is not technically a moss, but is a bromeliad, a flowering plant. I’ve never noticed the flowers, which must be small, so I’m going to look more closely this spring. In French Polynesia, Spanish moss is called, “grandpa’s beard.”
Many years ago, I draped Spanish moss over black lace on a pith helmet for a Halloween costume. First I had to shake the moss out and wash it having discovered tiny insects living in it. I got an honorable mention in the costume contest and was dubbed “The Swamp Witch.” Now, I leave the Spanish moss and the tiny insects in the trees where they belong.
You can click on the following photos individually for a better look and descriptions.
Wishing you blue skies and plenty of tree love!
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January 28, 2021 at 10:11 am
Very beautiful photos, JoAnna! Cypress trees are fascinating, and Spanish moss is near to my heart! 🙂 Have a wonderful day! ❤
January 28, 2021 at 6:22 pm
Thanks, Cheryl. I’m so glad you enjoyed the photos. I hope you have a good weekend!
January 28, 2021 at 10:37 am
Have you spent much time at the cabin lately? You’ve probably written about it but my memory has been slow lately. Hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy nature thru the winter months.
January 28, 2021 at 6:31 pm
I don’t think you’ve missed anything. We have not been to the cabin since October, when we brought Mama Cat home from the church. She’s gradually been getting more comfortable here and with me. Now, I have to get her familiar with a pet sitter. I have someone in mind the next block over who’s a cat lover, who I hope she will warm up to. COVID has also been a factor. I have missed the mountains very much. My son who lives 20 minutes from the mountain house, checks on the place and went there for Christmas with his family since it’s bigger than their apartment. He gets to see plenty of snow. Thanks for asking.
January 28, 2021 at 11:15 am
Wow! That reminds me of the Cypress trees in Florida.
January 28, 2021 at 7:49 pm
Glad to bring back what I hope are good memories. They are strong trees!
January 28, 2021 at 8:01 pm
Yes they are. Fortunately, the good ones stick around and the bad ones fade.
January 28, 2021 at 5:11 pm
How beautiful, JoAnna. I’ve always thought there was something magical about Spanish moss. Hugs on the wing.
January 28, 2021 at 8:21 pm
It IS magical! Glad you enjoyed it, Teagan. Hugs on the wing!
January 28, 2021 at 5:42 pm
Thanks for the beautiful photos JoAnna…those tree trunks are massive!
January 28, 2021 at 8:25 pm
I’m so glad you enjoyed the cypress trees! The trunks are unique, especially the way they open up into skirts at the bottom.
January 28, 2021 at 9:30 pm
These are beautiful! Spanish Moss gives a ghostly look but in a nice way.. the knee roots of the Bald Cypress are also seen here.. Thanks JoAnna for this visual treat!
January 28, 2021 at 10:55 pm
My pleasure! I agree about the Spanish moss having a ghostly look in a nice way. It look delicate, but hold on tight. Ethereal, mysterious, and yet earthy, I’m glad to know you enjoyed the photos.
January 29, 2021 at 5:54 am
A fine photographic record
January 29, 2021 at 8:52 am
Skies so blue, water so blue, this warmed me up (we are at 4 above right now, with a forecast high of 9) and brought me a smile. Years ago, I visited Savannah and took one of those red trolley tours (the ones where you hop on and off). One of the first things we were warned about was “don’t touch the pretty moss on the trees!”. So yes, I leave it be. I’ve seen bald cypress in South Carolina and in Florida. Not sure I would want to own trees with moss but there is nothing like seeing a tree with this moss – so pretty.
January 29, 2021 at 12:59 pm
I’m so glad you enjoyed the blue skies that warmed you up. I’ll take my 45 degrees with a little more gratitude, after hearing your temps. Thanks for sharing your experience with Spanish Moss. It sounds like it was delightful and smart with the wise warning to leave the moss alone.
January 29, 2021 at 9:01 am
Wow I had never seen Spanish moss, thanks for sharing pics.
The blue skies amidst bald cypress looks really beautiful.
More #TreeLove to you.
January 29, 2021 at 1:03 pm
I’m very happy to know you enjoyed the Spanish Moss and tree love. Wishing you blue skies ahead and more tree love!
January 31, 2021 at 6:50 pm
Great pics, JoAnna! I remember the first time I saw moss on trees…it was in Savannah…and I remember I thought it looked creepy!! Like something out of a Halloween movie. Can’t believe you put it on a costume…I am sure it was GREAT! Oh…the things we do for art!!
Stay well!
February 1, 2021 at 3:36 pm
I probably thought it was creepy at first, too. But since seeing it in the bright sunlight, it’s more interesting. The swamp witch costume was probably in the early 80s, so I was in my 20s. Wow! That was a long time ago!
February 1, 2021 at 8:46 pm
Haha! I know what you mean! I’m certain I have had a similar mishap with a costume…anything for art!
February 2, 2021 at 6:49 pm
Great photos. I love the Spanish moss and seeing the swamp environment.
February 2, 2021 at 9:33 pm
Thanks, Mali. I’m glad to know you enjoyed them. The swamp environment is more comfortable to visit in the cool weather.
February 9, 2021 at 7:09 am
Love those gorgeous blue skies, Joanna! It must have been so lovely to soak in the heavenly views!!
Thanks for the share.
Cheers,
Esha
https://mysoultalks.com/a-mountain-pine-thursdaytreelove/
February 9, 2021 at 8:02 pm
Thank you, Esha! It was lovely, especially it being in winter! Cheers! V
February 11, 2021 at 8:57 pm
Don’t you love “tree” walks? The photos are beautiful.
February 12, 2021 at 12:18 am
Yes! Thursday tree love leads me on some interesting tree walks. 🙂