Pollen and Plants

A number of plants are associated with triggering asthma and hay fever symptoms in some people.

As a general rule, wind-pollinated plants tend to be more problematic than plants pollinated by insects or birds, as their lighter, smaller pollen is more likely to become airborne and get inhaled.

Deciduous plants which release pollen from insignificant-looking flowers are in this category.

Commonly found “problem plants” in New Zealand include:

Plants

Flowering Period

Pines

Widespread source of pollen

Jul-Sep

Oaks

Produce a lot of pollen, some people very sensitive

Aug-Oct

Wattles

Produce large quantities of pollen, most settles near the plants

Aug-Nov

Birches

Produce lots of pollen, some people very sensitive

Oct-Nov

Grasses

Widespread; lots of pollen, carried by the wind

Oct-Feb

Plantains

Widespread; moderate pollen producers but the pollen is strongly allergenic

Oct-Feb

Privets

Produce lots of pollen, most of it settling on the ground within about 15m. Privet perfume an irritant for some people

Oct-Mar

Olive trees have also recently been identified as an increasing problem as they become more widely grown here.

Other shrubs and trees which are fairly common and can trigger symptoms in some people include alder, ash, coprosma, cypress, elm, liquidambar, maple, mulberry and plane trees.

Flowers in the Asteraceae family can also be a trigger – these include daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums.

Flowers in the Asteraceae family can also be a trigger – these include daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums.

Bird and insect-pollinated plants with large, flamboyant flowers are less likely to trouble people with asthma and allergies.

However, bear in mind that strongly scented plants can affect some people.

For individuals who are affected, the best solution is avoidance:

  • Remove any plants that trouble you from your garden.
  • Try to avoid going out on windy days.
  • Keep windows closed, particularly when out in the car. Some vehicles have air intake filters fitted, which help reduce the amount of pollen taken into the car.
  • Use your Self Management Plan to help you adjust your medications as your asthma gets worse/better
  • For hay fever symptoms, continue using your nasal spray if you have one
  • Use pollen forecasts to help you gauge the likely risk of exposure to your triggers. MetService includes pollen levels in their forecasts – www.metservice.co.nz
  • Try to find out more about your allergic triggers with a skin prick test (see our Asthma and allergy fact sheet for more information.)
  • Mowing, weeding and hedge-trimming can stir up pollen, dust and spores which are then inhaled at close quarters. If you are sensitive to any of these, have someone else mow your lawns and keep your hedges in shape, and stay inside while it’s done. If you have to perform these tasks yourself, wear a mask which will help reduce exposure.
  • As a longer-term alternative, you may wish to consider replacing lawns with paving or plantings, and replacing hedges with fencing or trellis. Minimise your weeding with appropriate ground cover plants and mulches.
  • If mould spores are a trigger for your asthma, avoid organic mulches such as tree bark and manures, and use gravel mulch instead. As composting depends on moulds as well as bacteria, have someone else manage your compost. Exercise caution with potting mix – open bags slowly, and away from the face.