Spanish moss is proving troublesome for Willoughby City Council.
Colloquially, Spanish moss is known as Old Man’s Beard. It appears as pale green or white hanging foliage and grows rapidly.
The weed is threatening native trees and streetscapes. Spanish moss can germinate quickly in new areas, including backyards and balconies.
Willoughby City Council is urging residents to help stop the spread by checking their gardens and removing the weed. Spanish moss should not be used for garden decoration.
Where is it found:
In NSW, Spanish moss has been found on the north shore of Sydney, in and around Lismore on the North Coast and on Lord Howe Island.
It is native to tropical and subtropical America. Spanish moss is also a weed in Queensland and some Pacific Islands.
The NSW DPI classifies Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides) as an Environmental Weed. Found out more at the NSW DPI Website
