If You Deal With Allergies, You're Really Going To Want To Avoid These Plants

When choosing the kind of greenery you want in and around your home, you may need to ensure the plants are safe to have around. Although there are plenty of plants that are ideal for people with allergies, there are also ones you should absolutely avoid. The latter are also ones you might want to get rid of if they're already in your yard. Frankly, millions of people in the United States deal with seasonal allergies caused by pollen from flowers, trees, shrubs, weeds, and more. These plants are obviously the ones you need to steer clear of (among a few others) if you're one of those unfortunate allergy sufferers.

On the topic of removing allergy-sparking plants, Thomas Ogren, author of "The Allergy-Fighting Garden," told Allergic Living, "Any type of foundation plants that are underneath bedroom windows are really crucial, as well as plants closest to doors." Of course, before you start ripping out anything that happens to be growing around your home, you first need to figure out what actually needs to go. As Ogren noted, "I would try to identify the very worst plants in the yard, if indeed there were any."

To do that, you need to be aware of what kind of flowers, shrubs, grasses, and trees might be triggering your allergies. Although you may find some more problematic than others, there are a few plants you should definitely avoid if you want to be safe.

Found in many areas across the country, alder (Alnus) trees and shrubs are deciduous delights — that is, unless you have allergies. Although there are various kinds of alder, they all rely on pollen that becomes airborne and travels with the help of the wind. This results in a dire and incredibly uncomfortable situation for those who face allergies as the rather potent pollen is difficult to avoid once it's in the air around your home. This means you shouldn't plant alder and may need to remove it if you find it on your property.

You're more likely to spot American aspens (Populus tremuloides) than any other trees thanks to the fact that they're so common in the U.S. Their prevalence is also, in part, why they can be such a nuisance for allergy sufferers. A stunning tree that puts on a show during the fall, aspen boasts golden leaves famous for fluttering. That's why the tree is also known as Trembling Aspen or Quacking Aspen. If you suffer from allergies and hear any of these names when moving into a new abode or planning your landscape, then you may need to veto the allergy-triggering trees.

American beech (Fagus grandifolia) take their time when it comes to growing into large trees, which means they can be found in the same yards for years. Although that's wonderful for anyone who loves their gorgeous leaves and stately presence, it's not as ideal for those with allergies. Another plant that creates pollen that's then carried off by the wind, it may not be the beech pollen alone that causes you to have an allergic reaction. Instead, the powdery substance becomes a danger when it crosses with birch pollen allergens while also finding its way to you.

There are over 60 kinds of birch (Betula), and the allergens produced by the trees are among the worst and most frequent. If you find birch trees around your home, then you may want to get rid of them before January, which is when their pollen season tends to begin in most places (and on through April). However, if you live in a colder area, then the season might occur a little later. Either way, you may want to remove any birch trees on your property before they get a chance to cause sneezing, headaches, and fatigue.

Cottonwood trees (Populus deltoides) may be known for the white wispy hairs that emerge from seeds and, indeed, look like cotton, but although that sounds — and looks — almost whimsical, these trees can bring about serious issues. Along with attracting bugs like aphids, borers, caterpillars, and scale bugs, they might also be the source of your allergies. Found in backyards due to the fact that residents can enjoy the shade they give off, they also produce pollen during the peak of spring. This can lead to everything from coughing and congestion to itchy eyes and a runny nose.

Juniper (Juniperus communis) can also be called cedar trees and, in turn, can cause what's known as cedar fever. Although it's not actually a fever, it earned the unfortunate name because while the allergies they lead to can be typical issues — including headaches, itchy eyes, sneezing, and sore throat — they can also potentially be much more serious and mimic those of the flu. Similar to what you might suffer when around ragweed, different kinds of juniper can release pollen at various points throughout the years, and you may want to avoid them all.

Oak trees (Quercus) are actually members of the beech family (fagaceae), which is why you may not be surprised to find out that the former is also one you want to avoid if you have seasonal allergies. Not necessarily an easy thing to do since oak trees are found in so many places across the country, but the problems you'll suffer due to them are the same as you might because of typical tree pollen allergy. Causing issues with its pollen, its season usually lasts between the beginning of March and the middle of May.

Willow trees (Salix) are members of the larger willow family (Salicaceae) and while all versions tend to be more than just a little dreamy and naturally whimsical, they can also cause problems for anyone with allergies. Another kind of plant that produces pollen, it doesn't tend to trigger as many allergies as other trees, which may mean you'll be fine if you keep your distance from them while outdoors. You'll also want to avoid bringing any of the pollen-ridden branches inside, however, even though they're a popular choice for bouquets and arrangements.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) may help some people deal with their allergies if hay fever is causing them grief. On the other hand, chamomile — as both a plant and tea — can cause others to have an allergic reaction if they're sensitive to ragweed. The pollen found in chamomile and ragweed has a lot in common, which is why you should likely avoid the former if you know the latter causes you problems. If that's the case, then it's best to avoid drinking chamomile tea and having the plant around your home.

Common sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) produce seeds that can cause irritating and dangerous allergic reactions when consumed. The symptoms can include an upset stomach, itchy mouth, eczema, and anaphylaxis. The flower's pollen is also a trigger for those who suffer from allergic rhinitis, which leads to a runny or stuffed-up nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. Although this may sound like sad news for anyone who adores the bright yellow petals, hybrid pollenless sunflowers exist and present a better option for those with allergies. That includes Bashful, Buttercream, Claret, Del Sol, Double Dandy, Double Quick Orange, and Firecracker.

Just like many other plants, there are different varieties of primroses (Primula vulgaris), including primula obconica, also known simply as primrose, as well as German primrose and (eek) poison primrose. You definitely want to avoid touching or getting too close to these iffy flowers, which can cause allergic reactions through particles in the air or direct contact, and result in lesions and photodermatitis. Mexican primrose (Oenothera speciosa) — also known as pink buttercups, pink evening primrose, pinkladies, and showy evening primrose, among other names — can trigger anxiety, inflammation, low blood pressure, rashes, sneezing, and stomach pain.

There are different ways zinnias (Zinnia elegans) can be the source of unfortunate allergy symptoms. For instance, if you touch the sap, leaves, or stems, they can cause a rash and skin irritation. The pollen from the plant can also induce issues for people who deal with hay fever. While this means that anyone who has problems with pollen should avoid these flowers, those who live in areas with poor air quality should be extra careful, too. Research published by the Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety journal found that zinnia pollen allergies were worse in locations that had problems with pollution.

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) plants have delightfully dainty flowers that boast pink, red, or white blooms with a little spot of yellow in the middle. However, they can also cause some relatively mild and yet totally annoying and day-ruining reactions. That's especially true since they can pollinate throughout the year, depending on where you live, and you'll surely want to keep your distance from the flowers' pollen to prevent coughing, itchy eyes, and sneezing. You'll also want to avoid the sap of the plant, which can cause allergic reactions and irritated skin.

The pollen that comes from common honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) doesn't tend to make its way into the air as much as that of other plants which means it isn't always a terrible nuisance. Instead, it's generally considered to be a mild allergen in most cases, although that's certainly enough to make you want to avoid it. However, the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology noted the plant has been associated with contact dermatitis. Beyond that, the journal also published the case of an 8-year-old child who had an anaphylactic reaction after consuming just a few drops of honeysuckle nectar.

Lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) are famous for their incredible fragrance, however, it's this potent scent that can also trigger issues. Although those who deal with hay fever likely won't be bothered by the pollen these plants produce, the smell can cause breathing problems for people who are sensitive to smell. If that describes you and you find yourself near lilacs, you might end up suffering from a headache and nausea. That's why it's best for you to avoid these plants or, at least, be sure to admire the blooms from afar.