There is nothing like spring in the Mid-South! Birds are singing, ornamental cherry trees are in bloom at Memphis Botanic Garden and the tulips are putting on a dazzling display at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens! Unfortunately, the arrival of spring also brings a familiar yellow haze that covers everything in sight. Pollen season is here!

Spring can be a difficult time for allergy sufferers. Tree pollen can bring months of congestion, itchy eyes and sneezing.

The chief culprit is wind-borne pollen from trees, as they release huge volumes of pollen that can drift for miles. Luckily, pollen production varies from year to year. Weather plays a key role in the spread of pollen. Wind increases its spread, whereas rain will help suppress it. Oaks are a staple here in the Mid-South as well as a major culprit. They produce light pollen that is readily airborne and can travel for miles with the wind. Although you may not have an oak tree in your landscape, rest assured that someone in your neighborhood does. Oak trees release pollen from February through May.

The Eastern Red Cedar is one of the few trees that release pollen in the winter. Cedars have light, fine pollen, which is also easily airborne. Cedars trigger “Cedar Fever” which can cause “sneezing fits” for those with allergies.

Hickory and Pecan trees are also known to release massive amounts of pollen from March through May. Their pollen is also wind-borne and is a potent allergen. If you are familiar with Pecan trees, they produce long catkins in the spring that shed large amounts of pollen.

These are just a few trees that produce pollens carried on the wind. If you are an allergy sufferer, check the weather forecast for days with high pollen counts. Properly prepare yourself so that you can enjoy spring in all its glory!

Photo credits: Enticare-faculty; NC State College of Natural Resources