What is the importance of moss in the poem i saw in Louisiana a live oak growing by Walt Whitman?

In the poem "I Saw in Louisiana a Live-Oak Growing" by Walt Whitman, moss symbolizes the old South, tradition, and continuity. The presence of moss on the live oak tree emphasizes the deep-rooted history and connection to nature that the poet seeks to convey. It represents resilience, timelessness, and the cyclical nature of life.