With spring officially here, allergy season is in full swing. For those who have an aversion to pollen (like a lot of us), this is the time of year that can be the most painful--as well as dreadful. Waking up each morning with sticky eyes, a scratch throat, and a nose that runs like a faucet, can be a living nightmare. This is all caused by pollen!
So, if you are trying to grow a garden or do some landscaping this spring as an allergy sufferer, you are going to want to avoid plants that produce a lot of pollen. But, which plants should you avoid here in Colorado? Let’s take a look!
Trees.
Trees are among the worst offenders in Colorado for pollen related allergies. They rely on the spring winds to carry their pollen across the landscape in order to pollinate flowers and other plants. But, that pollen can be devastating. Here are just a few of the trees that cause the most issues:
Aspen & Cottonwood.
Both aspen and cottonwood trees belong to the same family, and are highly valued for their beauty and shade giving nature. However, they are insane pollen producers that lead to some of the highest rates of pollen related allergies in the entire state.
Maple.
Maple trees, particularly the box elder, produce quite a bit of pollen in the early spring. They rely heavily on pollen spread through the wind, and thus can create an issue for Colorado natives. They are especially active from March - May, with April being their high season.
Cedar & Juniper.
These gorgeous coniferous trees are a staple in the Rocky Mountain region. They can grow tall and majestic, or short like a shrub. While they may be beautiful, they produce quite a bit of pollen throughout the entire year. Allergies can be triggered even as early as January!
Plants.
There are quite a few plants in Colorado that produce pollen that will wreak havoc on your allergies. Here are just a few to look out for:
Ragweed.
Ragweed can be found all across Colorado, and does quite a bit of damage to everything in its path--even aside from allergies. Peaking in August, this summer weed is a ‘must-go’ or anyone with allergies.
Sagebrush.
Sagebrush is a very common aromatic brush found across the dry and arid climate of Colorado. Used in native herbal medicines, this brush can cause quite a bit of trouble with allergies in the early to late fall. This is one of the biggest offenders when it comes to pollen production after the summer’s end.
Final Thoughts.
Knowing what can produce high levels of pollen in your area is a major step in the battle against allergens. Keeping your yard and garden free of these pollen producers can help you live a happy and allergy free life!
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