As many of you may have noticed, we are currently seeing very high pollen counts again in the Treasure Valley, we are in the peak of weed season. Weed season typically includes pollen from ragweed, sagebrush and chenopods. Other pollinators during this time of year include plantain, sunflowers, docks and sorrels.
Tumbleweeds and other Chenopods
Chenopods are some of the largest pollinators in the area and can cause significant allergy troubles. One may wonder, “What the heck are Chenopods?” Well, Chenopods is a term we use to encompass all plants in the chenopodiaceae family. This term encompasses a large variety of plants that produce pollen grains which look the same and cannot be distinguished between each other under the microscope. They include the tumbleweeds, pigweeds and goosefoot families just to name a few. Even some edible plants like beets, spinach, amaranth and quinoa are considered chenopods. These plants typically start pollinating in August and persist until the first frost.
Ragweed
Ragweed is considered one of the most allergenic weeds in the world and it is shown that up to 10% of people have an allergy to this plant. Fortunately, here in the Treasure Valley, we don’t see huge numbers of ragweed pollen like they see in other parts of the country but we still see a moderate amount. It is thought that global warming is causing a rise in growth and spread of ragweed and a lengthening of the season it pollinates.
Sagebrush
All of us likely know what sagebrush is, it covers our foothills extensively. This is another weed that pollinates in the fall and will continue to the first frost. We can see very high numbers of sagebrush pollen in our air this time of year.
You can look on our website for updates on Boise Pollen Counts.
If you are suffering from allergy symptoms in the fall, you are likely allergic to weed plants. Come see your allergist, at The Allergy Group, to help manage your symptoms and understand your pollen allergy better! Click HERE for our contact information.