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While many people enjoy the beauty of spring and summer flowers, others dread this season due to pollen allergies. Pollen allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, can make some months a misery for millions of people across the US. Triggered by the pollen produced by flowers, pollen allergies cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and even asthma.
Wind-pollinated plants tend to be particularly troublesome for allergy sufferers. They release vast quantities of minuscule pollen grains into the air, which are then inhaled, triggering a range of unpleasant hay fever symptoms.
If you have an allergy sufferer in your household, it is worth knowing that some plants are far more likely to trigger symptoms than others. Here are 12 of the worst flowers for people with allergies.
1. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are popular garden and bouquet flowers, beloved for their vibrant colors and interesting shapes. Blooming from late summer into fall, chrysanthemums produce a significant amount of pollen, causing sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes for those with pollen allergies long after most other flowers have finished.
Some people can also develop skin issues such as an itchy rash and dermatitis after contact with this beautiful flower.
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2. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
There is nothing more summery than a row of bright yellow sunflowers, but unfortunately, these statuesque plants are a key culprit in the battle against pollen allergies.
In late summer, the large blooms of sunflowers produce copious amounts of pollen, which is easily dispersed by wind and insects. Luckily, sunflower seeds and oils do not contain pollen, so allergy sufferers can still enjoy them without any issues.
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3. Daisies (Bellis perennis)
The pollen of dainty daisy flowers is light and easily airborne, leading to high pollen counts from spring through to late summer. If you have daisies on your lawn, regular mowing can help keep the blooms to a minimum. However, it can be hard to avoid daisies altogether, as the pollen can blow in from neighboring gardens and fields.
4. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Marigolds are the superheroes of companion planting, bringing a huge range of benefits wherever they are planted. Unfortunately, these bright, cheerful flowers are packed full of pollen, which triggers sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes in allergy sufferers. If growing marigolds as a companion plant is a no-no due to allergies, try planting salvias as an alternative.
5. Dahlias (Dahlia spp.)
With their intricate and diverse blooms, dahlias are a firm favorite in ornamental gardens and cut flower bouquets. However, dahlias release a substantial amount of pollen, particularly in late summer and fall. This can aggravate allergies and lead to sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes.
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6. Asters (Aster spp.)
Asters are late-blooming perennials known for their star-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. While they add beauty to fall gardens, their pollen can lead to symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes.
Along with the first five plants on our list, asters are part of the Asteraceae family, one of the largest families of flowering plants and a common source of pollen allergies.
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7. Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)
Unlike most of the other flowers on our list, ragweed is not typically used in bouquets but is commonly found in gardens and wild areas. It is notorious for its highly allergenic pollen, which is a major cause of hay fever in the late summer and fall.
Ragweed pollen can trigger severe allergic reactions far from its source, with symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and asthma.
8. Zinnias (Zinnia spp.)
Zinnias are popular in floral gardens because their bright, bold flowers attract bees and butterflies. However, zinnias produce vast volumes of allergy-triggering pollen, which can lead to sneezing, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion in hay fever sufferers.
9. Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila spp.)
With its multitude of tiny white blooms, Baby’s Breath is a popular choice as a bouquet filler. Each little flower is loaded with pollen, ready to become airborne at the slightest touch. Many people mistakenly believe they are allergic to roses, as the two are often paired together in cut flower arrangements.
10. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Like ragweed, goldenrod is often found in gardens and wild areas, producing allergy-inducing flowers from late summer to fall. The heavier pollen of yellow goldenrod flowers is less likely to be windborne but can trigger respiratory symptoms upon close contact.
11. Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.)
Amaranth, known for its striking flower spikes, produces large amounts of pollen that can cause significant allergic reactions. Blooming from summer to fall, amaranth pollen is wind-dispersed and can lead to symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and shortness of breath.
12. Peruvian Lilies (Alstroemeria spp.)
Peruvian Lilies are popular in floral arrangements due to their vibrant colors and long vase life. Blooming throughout the summer, these beautiful flowers release a moderate amount of pollen that can cause allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and skin irritation upon contact.
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Kate Chalmers
Kate is a passionate gardener who has a keen interest in all things related to homesteading and sustainability. She resides in Portugal with her husband and menagerie of animals and has over 15 years of experience in the UK veterinary industry. In 2020, Kate and her husband took on a dilapidated Portuguese house and abandoned olive grove, turning it into an abundant food forest and home for nature.
Life on the homestead is never the same from one day to the next, and Kate has mastered many skills that she is keen to pass on to anyone with an interest in becoming more self-sufficient. Kate believes that living a sustainable lifestyle is the key to happiness and fulfillment and that everyone can make simple changes that connect us back to nature and reduce our impact on the planet.
