Autumn will be strutting herself soon in breath-taking splendor.
Along with those colors however, for many people, comes the sneezing, wheezing, coughing and spitting caused by allergies.
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, up to 40 percent of adults worldwide have allergies, including seasonal allergies, food and skin allergies.
One reason for this huffing and puffing comes from the male plant species producing pollen.
Male species do not produce fruit, flowers, seeds or seedpods thus making clean up easy for homeowners and landscapers.
Garden centers carry abundant male species because growers use them for cuttings, grafting and cloning.
The frequency of suffering caused by pollen producing plants has initiated some serious changes.
In 2004, Albuquerque, N.M., made efforts to reduce the amount of pollen in the environment by banning specific varieties of trees.
The ordinance makes it illegal to sell, import or plant several species of trees and shrubs, including cypress, juniper, mulberry and cottonwoods.
In Clark County, Nev. — which includes Las Vegas — there is an ordinance prohibiting olive and mulberry trees to be planted or sold.
Bermuda grass, olive and mulberry trees are banned in Arizona because they are known to cause allergic reactions.
If Bermuda grass is existing in landscapes, it must be removed or be considered a nuisance under the ordinance.
Ragweed, which pollenates from mid-August until a hard freeze, is often blamed for allergic rhinitis or more commonly known as hay fever.
Raking leaves can stir up pollen and mold into the air causing allergy and asthma flare-ups.
Allergy sufferers should wear a N95 mask when raking leaves, mowing the lawn and gardening to reduce reactions.
Longer-lasting summer heat encourages mold spores to be released into the air when the weather is dry and windy or when humidity is high.
However, there are hundreds of low-allergy plants available for gardens.
These beautiful counter-parts need to stand out in order to attract bees and other pollinating insects making them highly desirable. Female plant species produce fruit, seeds, and seedpods and low pollen.
Low-pollen flowering plants include Sweet pea, Periwinkle, Foxglove, Impatiens, Forget-me-nots, Petunia, violet pansy, Elephant’s ears, Crocus, Cyclamen, Gladiolus, Hyacinth, Day lily, Peony, Jacob’s ladder, Azalea, rhododendron, Fuchsia, pink carnations, Poppy, Phlox, Iris, Snapdragon, Hibiscu, Daffodil, daisey Chrysanthemum, Buttercup, Aster, Queen Anne’s lace, and Lavender.
Low-pollen shrubs, bushes and herbs include Coleus, Hosta, Chinese lantern, Hens and chicks, Big leaf hydrangea, Blueberry bush, Barberry bush, Daphne, Autumn sage and Cleveland sage blue sage.
Low-pollen trees include select female trees, which may drop berries or seeds but don’t produce pollen; Persimmon trees; and Juneberry trees.
The best way to reduce irritation is to reduce exposure to high pollen.
Allergy sufferers should be seen by a medical specialist in order to receive some relief.
Good luck and Gesundheit!