Oak Trunk Lichens and Ball Moss: Harmless Epiphytes

Fungus on Oak Trunks and Ball Moss in Branches

“Fungus” on bark = lichens. Ball moss (Tillandsia recurvata) = epiphytic bromeliad. Both are harmless:

• Lichens: algae+fungus symbionts; get nutrients from air, not tree.
• Ball moss: absorbs water/nutrients from air; not parasitic.
• Both indicate good air quality.

If You Must Remove

Copper fungicides for ball moss may reduce lichens. Baking soda spray (label pending) for ball moss. But best to leave alone—they don’t harm trees.