Monday, January 30, 2012

Misty Monday - Spanish Moss

Tidal Marsh, Daniel Island, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view)


Heavy Live Oak branches draped with Spanish moss hang over this tidal marsh on a fogging winter morning. Spanish moss is not actually a moss or lichen, but an "air plant", an epiphyte, that gathers nutrients and moisture from the humid air of southeastern US climates. It has a fondness for Live Oaks and Bald Cypresses, because these trees have foliage that provide abundant mineral nutrients. Creatures such as birds, bats, snakes and spiders make their homes in the pendant air plant, because it's a "cool" place to "hang out".

Spanish moss is also closely associated with the imagery of Southern Gothic folk tales and literature.

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27 comments:

  1. John "By Stargoose And Hanglands"January 30, 2012 at 1:52 AM

    Wonderfully atmospheric. I've seen Spanish moss in photos before but never knew, or even thought about, what it might be. Thanks for enlightening me. Have a good week.
    WV is 'Tactowse' - sounds like someplace down in the bayou.

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  2. 黄清华 Wong Ching WahJanuary 30, 2012 at 2:24 AM

    Reminds me of cyprus louisiana and i do miss these sceneries!

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  3. GinnieJanuary 30, 2012 at 2:58 AM

    This is a painting, Doug!

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  4. yzJanuary 30, 2012 at 5:53 AM

    amazingly beautiful composition

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  5. brattcatJanuary 30, 2012 at 6:06 AM

    this is a delicious piece of eye candy!

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  6. London CallerJanuary 30, 2012 at 7:39 AM

    Ha! Indeed, it's a cool place to hang out. ;o)

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  7. Kathryn DycheJanuary 30, 2012 at 8:12 AM

    Spanish moss is so beautiful. This image almost looks like an impressionist painting.

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  8. Luis GomezJanuary 30, 2012 at 9:07 AM

    This is so beautiful Doug.

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  9. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2012 at 9:37 AM

    Wonderful photo!

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  10. hugoJanuary 30, 2012 at 9:53 AM

    Alluring and mysterious! Almost surreal! How I admire your compo and rendering!:-)

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  11. Klaudia JJanuary 30, 2012 at 9:56 AM

    beautiful shot, place ...

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  12. A.BarlowJanuary 30, 2012 at 12:00 PM

    wow, that's cool looking.

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  13. Crash RyanJanuary 30, 2012 at 1:38 PM

    reminds me of my -in-laws neighborhood in Florida!

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  14. Traveling HawkJanuary 30, 2012 at 2:48 PM

    It looks so mysterious...wonderful photo, Doug! I never knew the name of this moss vsriety, even if I saw a lot of it in Canada.

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  15. FilipBlogJanuary 30, 2012 at 4:06 PM

    Good picture of a creepy tree.

    Greetings,
    Filip

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  16. HarryJanuary 30, 2012 at 5:08 PM

    The hanging mosss and the rising grass reach out across the mist/fog. Nice shot.

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  17. KalaJanuary 30, 2012 at 11:52 PM

    Gorgeous, ethereal image. I love it.

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  18. orvokkiJanuary 31, 2012 at 2:20 AM

    So interesting and exciting tree.

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  19. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2012 at 9:35 AM

    Ethereal picture and comprehensive explanation.
    Good job, Doug!

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  20. ChristopherJanuary 31, 2012 at 11:40 PM

    This shot is a masterpiece Doug. I'm also a sucker for some good biology/science so this post has everything.

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  21. Marie LCFebruary 1, 2012 at 3:30 AM

    Absolutely wonderful ! great landscape

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  22. - Yvonaut -
    Das sind Raphael und Yvonne    February 1, 2012 at 3:52 AM

    Wow, great shot! Very special scenery!
    Many greetings and have a nice rest of the week!
    Yvonne & Raphael

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  23. Michael RowlandFebruary 1, 2012 at 6:46 AM

    Did Monet take this photo?

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  24. DomLOrthaFebruary 1, 2012 at 8:28 AM

    The real expression of sadness!! Great shot!
    Have a nice day.

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  25. RonFebruary 1, 2012 at 11:21 AM

    I really like this shot. Great composition and perfectly focused.

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  26. UnknownFebruary 1, 2012 at 1:28 PM

    These Spanish was clever, jjj, met good trees like oak and gave shelter to small animals
    Good shot, I realy like it.

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  27. rianFebruary 14, 2012 at 7:08 PM

    they look fine in daylight, not so in nighttime.. :D nice shot!

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