With the plants in full bloom, pollen wreaks havoc in the air and causes many allergic reactions for people all over. As a result, immune systems are on high alert as outdoor plants trigger watery eyes and an endlessly runny nose.
If you suffer from pollen-induced allergies, keep reading to discover which pollen producing plants are your worst enemy.
1. Ragweed
Located in riverbanks and along the road, ragweed threatens the air of the Southeast during the spring as it releases tiny seeds of pollen. As one of the most common plants to cause seasonal allergies, ragweed leads to an increased annoyance of asthma symptoms, such as wheezing and nasal congestion.
In order to avoid the strong pollen that’s produced by ragweed, doctors strongly advise keeping the windows in your home and car closed at all times and to medicate throughout the spring. You want to keep the pollen out of your home and reduce allergens at all costs.
2. Elm
While elm trees are undeniably beautiful, they, unfortunately, produce a high volume of pollen throughout the eastern and midwestern states.
Elm trees begin to bloom in late January and as a result, generate pollen until late April. Due to its irregularly spaced pores, elm pollen is easily recognizable by scientists to examine its severe threat to the air and those that suffer from allergies.
3. Mulberry
From winter to summer, mulberry pollen is problematic in the East. According to pollen.com, the mulberry shrubbery is a severe pollinator and very allergenic.
If you strive to win the long battle against mulberry allergies, be sure to wash both your hands and face after being outdoors and medicate with over-the-counter allergy preventatives.
4. Oak
With its peak time of production during the spring, oak pollen is strongly prevalent from Texas to Florida and all across Virginia.
While oak does, in fact, produce a high volume of pollen through the season, the pollen is less potent when compared to other allergy-inducing plants. Nonetheless, oak pollen is commonly allergenic and many people experience reactions to the grains.
5. Maple
As soon as spring hits, so does maple pollen. Throughout the eastern U.S. and Canada, large amounts of maple grains can be found distributed from the trees and shrubs.
While all maple species cause allergies, box elder produces the most allergenic pollen, which is transmitted through the wind.
6. Pigweed and tumbleweed
From fall to spring, the western, southwestern and northern states experience the effects of pigweed and tumbleweed pollen. Commonly found in lawns and alongside roads, this allergy-inducing weed is one of the worst offenders to those suffering from allergies.
Also known as Russian thistle, tumbleweed is a member of the goosefoot family that travels through the air and causes itchy throats and watery eyes through its high pollen content.
7. Ryegrass
Lastly, one of the worst pollen-inducing plants is ryegrass. From spring to summer, the northern parts of the U.S. experience the powerful consequences of allergens of ryegrass pollen in meadows and pastures.
Its pollen can also be found right in your yard. While the grass allergy season typically runs from May to June, ryegrass pollen can survive year-round in areas with warmer climates.
Take steps to minimize pollen allergies
Pollen allergies can severely impact a person’s life, which is why it’s important to know exactly which plants can trigger the worst symptoms. Springtime brings excessive sneezing, mucus and itchy eyes as plants, shrubs, grasses and weeds send multiple types of pollen into the air.
If you or someone in your household suffers from allergies, be sure to take action to avoid these pollen plants and medicate your symptoms when needed.
