What kind of pollen is out now

Bothersome nose and eye symptoms, breathing difficulties and skin allergies can set in as trees begin to pollinate.

Tree pollen season occurs between February and May in Ohio. Season length and timing varies each year depending on weather. In for example, due to a long, harsh winter, trees did not begin pollinating until March. Because pollen is microscopic, we cannot see it in the air and often do not know when the season has started until symptoms begin. A common myth regarding spring allergies is that because symptoms often start in correlation with blooming flowers, the flower pollens contribute to the problem.

Our allergies are due to plants that spread pollen by wind anemophilous plants , which is how the pollen enters our eyes, noses, mouths or skin. These plants are not showy or eye-catching because they do not need to be. The plants we typically notice are usually flowering plants that are pretty for the purpose of catching the attention of pollinators like bees and other insects.

These plant pollens are spread from plant to plant by the insects that visit them entomophilous plants. For this reason, most of our pollen exposure is due to pollen in the air outdoors, and thus our allergies are to wind-pollinated plants. Check the Weather Learn when conditions such as the wind increase pollen levels, so you can prepare. Know your allergy relief options From medications to nasal sprays, talk to your doctor about your options. How Weather Impacts Spring Allergies.

Hidden Weather Icon Symbols. Track Your Allergies with Pollen. Previous Next. Allergy Learn about allergy causes and symptoms. Forecast Get your 5 day local allergy forecast. Research Research plants to understand allergy triggers. Tools Allergy emails, allergy diary, mobile apps. Considering the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine? Some strategies which may help include:. The exact timing, peak, and severity of pollen release will vary from year to year according to the specific weather conditions, with wind, temperature and rainfall all having some effect.

Alder is a deciduous tree closely related to hazel, hornbeam, oak, and chestnut. It grows in relatively close proximity to water, often found bordering streams, rivers and springs.

Alder is a wind-pollinated tree which flowers in March or April, producing clouds of yellow pollen during the peak months. Hazel is a deciduous tree native to woods and hedgerows, and particularly the slopes of hills. It is closely related to birch, alder and beech.

Hazel is wind pollinated, and flowers early in the year, with peak pollination between February and March. Yew is a conifer growing to between 10 and 20 metres tall, and recognisable by its bright red berries. The needles, bark and seeds are highly toxic to humans and can be fatal if ingested or the volatile oils absorbed. Yews bloom and release abundant amounts of pollen in the spring, peaking in March.

Elm is a tall deciduous tree growing to as much as 40m with a distinctive vase shaped crown. It is found in woods and hedges as well as by roads and streams. Elm is wind pollinated, usually flowering early in the spring and peak pollination occurs in March. Willows are small 3 to 15m shrubs or trees commonly found in wet environments such as riverbanks and lake shores.

They are closely related to aspens, cottonwoods and poplars. They are among the earliest flowering trees in the UK, with peak polination occuring in March. Poplar is a medium-sized deciduous tree, growing to heights of up to 16 to 27m. It is common in towns and cities where it is often used along boulevards or around squares. In the UK, poplar flowers in spring, with peak pollen production during March. The common silver birch is a single-stemmed, deciduous tree up to about 25 metres tall, with distinctive silvery bark.