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Pollen count triggers severe allergic reactions in many people. In order to keep the symptoms of hay fever as low as possible, it is important to know when which pollen is in season. A pollen calendar can help.

In a nutshell

  • there are around 50 allergenic plant species recorded in Germany
  • The measurement of 16 relevant types of pollen is guaranteed
  • Load varies within pre-, main- and post-flowering of the plants

Pollen count as an allergy trigger

While some are happy about the first flowering of the plants in spring, caution is advised for allergy sufferers. The pollen count of plants such as hazel or alder begins as early as February. Depending on which types of pollen you particularly react to, the load increases more and more until summer. The wind spreads the pollen in the air. These then release proteins on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, which the body uses to trigger defense reactions. In allergy sufferers, this often manifests itself in the form of watery eyes, sneezing or coughing. Pollen count calendars and the forecasts of the weather services provide information about the strength of the pollen count of the respective plant species.

Pollen count calendar

A pollen calendar shows the flowering time of the individual plants and thus when the pollen count is usually highest. This is different within the pre-, main and post-blossom. We have made a pollen count calendar for the most common allergy-causing plants available for you to download free of charge.

Plants with allergenic pollen count

In Germany there are over 50 plants whose pollen count can trigger allergies. We introduce you to the most common representatives.

deciduous trees

Maple (Acer)

fan maple
  • Pollen flight from February to July
  • Main flowering from April to May
  • Located in river valleys and parks

Birch (Betula)

  • is one of the most common allergy triggers
  • Pollen count from the end of March to the end of May
  • Main flowering 2 weeks in April
  • Plant flowers for the first time at the age of 5 years

Beech (Fagus)

  • Pollen count from mid-April to mid-May
  • Main flowering end of April
  • after a mild winter, the flowering period can begin earlier
  • frequent common allergy with birch pollen

Oak (Quercus)

  • possible pollen flight from March to July
  • Main flowering period in April and May
  • often cross-allergy with birch or alder

Alder (Alnus)

  • Possible pollen flight already starts in December
  • Main flowering from February to April
  • Green, gray and black alder are native to this country
  • Occurrence endangered by river straightening and moor drainage

Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)

  • common tree species in alluvial forests, damp stream valleys and mixed deciduous forests
  • Flowering occurs before the leaves sprout
  • increased pollen count from March to May

Linden (Tilia)

  • Small-leaved, small-leaved and silver linden native to this country
  • Pollen starts in May
  • Main flowering in June and July

Poplar (Populus)

  • common occurrence on river banks and in forests
  • used to produce wood, paper and energy
  • possible pollen flight already in February
  • Main flowering period March to April

Elm (Ulmus)

  • possible pollen flight February to June
  • Main bloom in April
  • northern European species are threatened with extinction

Willow (Salix)

  • Main flowering is in April
  • Pre-flowering and after-flowering from March to June
  • Native species: white willow, willow, harlequin willow, osier, weeping willow

conifers

Spruce (Picea)

  • strong flowering at shorter intervals when influenced such as water shortage, long cold periods or lack of nutrients
  • increased pollen formation also when full fattening is imminent (formation of many cones).
  • occurs every 3 to 4 years
  • Flowering time between April and June
  • Pollen is often harmless for allergy sufferers

Notice: The reinforced bloom is also called "fear bloom". During this time the tree is weakened and much more susceptible to pests such as the bark beetle.

Larch (Larix)

  • Flowering time March to May
  • starts before needle formation
  • flowers only every few years, in the so-called mast year

Notice: The larch forms male and female flowers. The males are edible.

Pine (Pinnus)

  • Allergy sufferers rarely react to pine pollen
  • Flowering time between April and October
  • increased pollen flight May to August

Fir (Abies)

  • Flowering time May to June
  • Pollen rarely triggers allergies
  • however, the oil or resin can also cause allergies
  • typically found in mixed forests

Cypress (Cupressus)

  • female cones mature over 2 years to flower
  • male cones have pollen sacs
  • Flowering time from February to April
  • Pollen can occur from December to late autumn
  • through increasing planting, the risk of allergies also increases
  • other cypress plants: juniper, cedar, tree of life (Thuja)

herbs and grasses

Ambrosia (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)

  • is one of the strongest allergy triggers
  • Flowering time from July to October
  • spreads rapidly in uncultivated areas

Dock (Rumex)

  • Main flowering May to July
  • Pollen flight possible from mid-April to the end of August
  • grows wild in fields and meadows

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

  • Wild herbs are often used in cooking
  • possible pollen flight from June to October
  • Main bloom in August

Nettle (Urtica)

  • Flowering starts in June, second flowering in September
  • heaviest pollen flight July to August
  • important fertilizer and pesticide

Dandelion (Taraxacum)

  • Flowering from April to late June
  • shoots in rain, severe drought and at night
  • characteristic dandelion with seeds develops as it fades

Plantain (Plantago)

  • best-known species are buckhorn and broadleaf plantain
  • widespread from meadows
  • long flowering period without a typical main flowering period
  • Peak season late May to late August

Grain

Barley (Hordeum vulgare)

  • Flowering time July to September
  • Allergies are rare
  • low pollen count
  • belongs to the sweet grasses
  • It is used for brewing beer and as animal feed

Rye (Secale cereale)

  • most cultivated grain in Germany
  • Pollen is one of the most common allergens
  • Main flowering mid-May to mid-June
  • possible pollen flight from April

Wheat (Triticum aestivum)

  • cultivated naked or full wheat in Germany
  • is considered gentle on the digestive organs
  • but can also trigger allergies and hypersensitivity
  • Flowering time depends on sowing
  • Flowering time around June

shrubs

Hazelnut (Corylus avellana)

Corylus avellana
  • Pollen contains strong allergens
  • Main flowering February to March
  • depending on the temperatures already possible in December
  • belong to the birch family

Elder (Sambucus)

  • both flowers and later fruits are edible
  • Pollen flight April to September
  • Main flowering May to August

frequently asked Questions

What is a cross allergy?

If your immune system's immunoglobulin E antibodies, which are directed against certain allergens, also react to other, similar allergens from other allergy sources, you have a cross-allergy. People with a birch pollen allergy often react to beech pollen.

Is the flowering time of the plants the same every year?

The beginning of the flowering period depends on the weather conditions. After a very mild winter, the plants often sprout earlier.

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Category:

Garden plants