Summer ClaytonIf you have seasonal allergies, then you know that springtime means sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. However, you might not know what plants are causing your allergic reaction. That’s why we put together a list of the plants that most commonly cause problems. Avoid planting them in your garden (or your home) if you struggle with allergies.
Amaranth
Give it whatever fancy name you like, but amaranth is still basically pigweed. The tassel-like flowers produce lots of pollen.
Chamomile
Although it might be soothing in herbal tea, chamomile can be a major allergy trigger. Avoid this daisy-like flower if you are particularly sensitive.
Chrysanthemum
Better known as “mums,” these flowers are common throughout the summer and fall. There are a ton of varieties of mums, so be wary if you think you’re allergic to their pollen.
Queen Anne’s Lace
Queen Anne’s Lace is a fascinating flowering plant. The roots are edible and are sometimes known as wild carrot. Unfortunately, it also looks a lot like poisonous water hemlock. The clusters of white flowers also produce a lot of pollen.
Coneflower
Purple coneflower, or echinacia, is a wonderful plant for bees and birds to enjoy. It’s not so wonderful for some allergy sufferers, who may want to avoid planting coneflower.
Lilac
If you’ve been around lilacs, then you know the flowers have a very strong scent. Many people love the fragrance, but the pollen produced by this flowering shrub doesn’t always love people back.
Wisteria
Considered a weed by many gardeners, wisteria produces cascades of grape-like flower clusters in early spring. It also produces pollen that can irritate some people.
Cypress, Cedar and Juniper
These plants are all related–and they all produce particularly noxious pollen. Juniper will also take over your yard, if you let it, so that’s another reason to avoid the plant. Mountain cedar, which is commonly found in Texas and surrounding states, is especially bad for allergy sufferers.
Related: 6 Plants That Will Absolutely Take Over Your Garden
Most Trees
Bad news: The majority of seasonal pollen comes from trees, not flowers. If you live an area with a high pollen count–you know, the kind that coats every surface in yellow dust–then it’s like from one of these trees:
- Birch
- Elm
- Cedar
- Maple
- Oak
- Pine
- Pecan
- Poplar
- Walnut
While you might not want to cut down your beautiful old oak tree just because of seasonal allergies, it could at least help you understand why you feel so miserable every spring.
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