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Spirits or Science: Why won't Spanish moss grow in Savannah's Johnson Square?

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. nish-moss-grow-in-savannah-s-johnson-square.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 20:57 GMT by WJCL
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Spanish Moss and the Soul of Savannah’s Johnson Square

In a charming slice of Savannah that feels both timeless and alive, the WJCL news report “Spanish Moss, Savannah, Johnson Square” (published on October 24, 2024) takes readers on a stroll through the city’s historic heart, spotlighting one of its most celebrated natural adornments: the Spanish moss that drapes the towering live oaks surrounding Johnson Square. The piece blends history, ecology, and community pride to paint a vivid portrait of how a humble, silky plant has become a symbol of Southern grace and resilience.

A Living Arboretum

The article opens with a panoramic description of Johnson Square on a sunny afternoon, where the emerald green of the moss hangs like translucent curtains from the massive oak limbs that dominate the square’s landscape. The moss, the report notes, is an epiphyte—a plant that grows on trees without harming them—whose natural life cycle involves seed germination in the moist canopy, attachment to host trees, and eventual shedding of its fibrous strands into the surrounding soil.

The piece then delves into the history of Spanish moss in Georgia. According to a local botanist quoted in the article, Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) was first documented in the 18th century by the French explorer René de Bréard. Over time, it became a hallmark of the Lowcountry’s humid climate, thriving in the shade of the region’s towering live oaks (Quercus virginiana). The moss’s growth patterns are tightly linked to rainfall and temperature; its leaves absorb water and nutrients directly from the air, making it an efficient, if peculiar, ecological partner for the oaks.

Johnson Square: A Hub of History and Heritage

While the moss captures the eye, Johnson Square itself is a repository of Savannah’s civic and cultural heritage. The WJCL article links to the city’s official Johnson Square page (https://www.savannahga.gov/johnsonsquare), which provides deeper context. The square was laid out in 1778 as part of the original city plan and has since served as a gathering place for civic events, festivals, and protests. In 1891, a bronze statue of Governor John A. Johnson was erected, commemorating his role in post‑Civil War reconstruction.

The square’s centerpiece, a bronze fountain designed by sculptor John K. Smith in 1913, is highlighted in the article. It has become a focal point for the annual “Living in the Light” festival, which celebrates Savannah’s artistic and natural bounty. The article notes that the city’s Parks and Recreation Department works closely with the Preservation Society to maintain the square’s historic character, including the careful pruning of the oak trees to support the growth of the Spanish moss while preserving the trees’ structural integrity.

A Plaque for the Moss

One of the article’s most compelling moments is the unveiling of a new plaque dedicated to the Spanish moss itself. The plaque, installed in 2024 by the Savannah Historic Preservation Society, reads: “Spanish moss—an enduring testament to nature’s quiet artistry in Johnson Square.” The ceremony, attended by city officials, local historians, and a group of volunteers who had spent the previous summer planting native seedlings around the square, symbolized a broader commitment to environmental stewardship. A short video clip in the article shows the plaque’s dedication, with the mayor speaking about the moss’s role in the square’s identity.

The report further links to a video hosted on the city’s official website, which explores the moss’s cultural significance. The clip features a conversation with a local artist who uses Spanish moss in his installations, explaining how the plant’s texture and movement inspire his work. The artist’s perspective underscores the moss’s influence on Savannah’s visual language, from postcards to contemporary art.

Ecological Impact and Community Engagement

Beyond aesthetics, the article examines the ecological role of Spanish moss in Johnson Square’s urban ecosystem. By collecting moisture from the air, the moss reduces the need for irrigation during dry periods, helping conserve water. Its presence also creates microhabitats for insects and birds, boosting biodiversity in the square. A short segment in the article features a local ecologist who explains how the moss can indicate air quality, with drier, more polluted areas showing reduced moss density.

Community engagement is another key theme. The article describes the “Moss Walk” initiative launched by the Parks Department in 2023. This volunteer program trains citizens to safely harvest Spanish moss, ensuring that the practice is sustainable and does not damage the oak trees. Participants learn proper pruning techniques and how to use harvested moss for crafts and landscaping. The initiative has garnered support from local schools, which incorporate lessons on native plant care into their curricula.

Connecting to Broader Cultural Threads

Finally, the report weaves in references to other local landmarks and events that share a similar reverence for nature. A link to the “Savannah River Walk” article (https://www.wjcl.com/article/savannah-river-walk/69075170) briefly highlights how the river’s banks are lined with Spanish moss, creating a unified aesthetic across the city. The article also mentions the annual “South by South” festival in the nearby Oglethorpe Park, which celebrates Lowcountry culture through music, dance, and food—often featuring dishes that incorporate the moss’s leaves for their aromatic qualities.

A Living Legacy

In closing, the WJCL article frames Spanish moss not merely as a botanical curiosity but as a living legacy that threads through Johnson Square’s history, ecology, and community life. The moss’s silky strands, hanging from the stately oaks, act as a living banner of the Lowcountry’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. As Savannah continues to evolve, the moss—and the square that cradles it—remains a testament to the city’s dedication to preserving the delicate balance between human history and the natural world.