Patients with seasonal allergies often wonder what the various trees, grasses, and weeds look like that have caused so much misery. Even more complicated, residents here frequently travel to other places, especially nearby states (ahem, California?). For this reason, slightly different vegetation in other places must also be accounted for! Here are photos, some taken by Dr Morgan.
Notice these allergenic plants tend to have plain appearances, without notable flowers. This is of course because the wind spreads their pollen, and they don’t need attractive flowers or fragrance to entice insects to do so.
Group of desert trees often positive on allergy testing
Pollen similar to olive and privet trees
Not so abundant in the Southwest but related to some fruit/vegetable allergies
This and related species are airborne in the cold months
By the time the cotton is floating, pollination is already ended
Limited numbers in landscape but very important most other places in the country
Shown here is a box elder (similar to maple)
Notorious pollinator introduced for landscaping
Perhaps the most important tree pollen for spring sufferers in most of the country
Attractive tree but infamous pollinator here and also in California
Similar to pecan pollen and important in large areas of the country
Related to the plane tree in other parts of the US
Found in warm climates
Originally from Africa, now introduced for lawns and golf courses
Actually a grass but considered weedy by many
Many related species of pasture grass that grow not only in warm but also northern US climates
Also called careless weed, one of the big three weeds nationwide
Velcro balls stick to clothing and animal fur
Also called sorrel weed
Another ugly-looking weed
Another of the big three weeds, probably #3 most common for Dr Morgan’s patients
Tired of looking at ugly weeds yet?
Related to mugwort, which is involved in some fruit/vegetable allergies
The most infamous weed of all is a household word
Actually introduced from Russia but well known in the Desert Southwest
If you have already had allergy testing recently, now you know which of these (or none, sometimes) are to blame for your seasonal symptoms!
Thank you for visiting www.lasvegasallergy.com!