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Peak season
March to May (spring)
Tree Pollen
Representative plants
Oak, birch, alder, ash, hazel, pine, cedar
Tree pollen is one of the most common causes of spring allergies.
Birch and oak pollen can cross-react with certain foods like apples, peaches, and cherries (Oral Allergy Syndrome).
Symptoms include sneezing, clear runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes.
Severe cases may involve coughing and asthma flare-ups.
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Peak season
May to August (late spring to summer)
Grass Pollen
Representative plants
Timothy, ryegrass, orchard grass, Kentucky bluegrass, bermuda grass
Grass pollen is particularly high near lawns, parks, and golf courses.
Pollen counts surge for up to 24 hours after lawn mowing.
Symptoms are similar to tree pollen allergies but may also include contact dermatitis (hives) from direct skin contact with grass.
Peak hours: afternoon (2-5 PM) when temperatures are highest.
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Peak season
August to October (autumn)
Weed Pollen
Representative plants
Ragweed, mugwort, plantain, nettle, lamb's quarters
A single ragweed plant can release up to one billion pollen grains per day.
Wind can carry them hundreds of kilometers, so even cities are affected.
Weed pollen tends to cause more intense symptoms than tree or grass pollen, including red eyes, severe sneezing fits, and postnasal drip.
Peak hours: early morning, just after sunrise.