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7 of the Worst Plants for Allergies and Hay Fever in Australia

No more sniffles! - by Lottie Dalziel
  • 18 Nov 2020
7 of the Worst Plants for Allergies and Hay Fever in Australia

In Australia, we’re fortunate enough to be blessed with an array of beautiful flora and fauna but unfortunately for some this also comes with a host of uncomfortable allergies. A whopping 18% of Australians are prone to hay fever allergies and symptoms, here are some of the worst plants and trees for allergies and hay fever in Australia.  

Why are allergies caused? 

Pollen is the main cause of hayfever or seasonal allergic rhinitis. Flowering plants produce small amounts of pollen which can be spread by birds, bees and other insects. Pollen is also produced by the grass and blows in the wind so can impact people far away who can’t even see the plant itself. 

“The true cause of our allergies is mostly from wind-pollinated grasses and trees, and the one that may be causing your head to feel like it is going to explode, may be thousands of kilometres away from your home,” explained Jimmy the director of horticulture at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.  

Imported plants and grasses are the biggest cause of allergies. 

Allergy symptoms

Common hay fever allergy symptoms include:

  • Red, itchy eyes
  • Coughing and wheezing
  • Sneezing
  • Hives or a rash
  • Runny nose
  • Asthma flare up

How to avoid a flare up

Whilst there are no real simple natural cures you can change a couple of practices:

  • Avoid going outdoors in windy conditions, keep up to date on the pollen count in your area
  • Avoid being outside when the grass is being mown
  • Wear sunglasses and carry tissues
  • Keep windows closed on windy days 
  • Use recirculating air in your car
  • Remove allergy-triggering plants from your home

Here are some of our tips for beating hay fever naturally. If you have severe allergies, seek medical advice to help relieve your symptoms.

Without further ado, here is our list of the worst plants for allergies. 

1. Mango Tree

mango tree

Ideal climate: Tropical areas

Common varieties: One of Australia’s favourite fruits is, unfortunately, one of the worst culprits. 

2. Plane trees 

plane tree

Ideal climate: Everywhere in Australia

Common varieties: London plane

Rather than flowers plane trees produce a “fuzz” on their leaves and stems which becomes airborne to pollinate other trees but often causes an itchy rash. 

3. Rye Grass

rye grass

Ideal climate: Everywhere!

Is mowing almost a guaranteed way to set off your allergies? Rye grass is a common culprit but making the switch to an Australian grass is a great option as they are drought-tolerant, slow-growing and have less pollen. 

4. Pellitory

pellitory

Ideal climate: New South Wales

Pellitory (Parietaria judaica) or asthma weed is one of the worst weeds for asthma sufferers. It flourishes in warm temperatures and you can find it growing everywhere from the cracks of pavement to rocks and abandoned lots. The council are vigilantly controlling its spread but it is a huge task.

5. Bottlebrush

bottlebrush

Ideal climate: All of Australia

One of our national icons, unfortunately, is an allergy culprit. The pollen from these red brush-like flowers is easily blown in the wind.

6. Australian pine

pine

Ideal climate: coastal regions

Both pine nuts and pine trees are common allergens. Pine pollen is produced in spring and can trigger the same people who are allergic to grass pollen. 

7. Jasmine 

jasmine

Ideal climate: moderate climates

Common Varieties: Night Blooming Jasmine 

This beautifully scented vine blooms in springtime, but as any allergy suffers know it is absolutely everywhere! 

You might also like

The music you play at home can affect how your plants grow

5 natural ways to nip hay fever in the bud once and for all

4 indoor plants that can soothe allergies

  • Garden
  • Health
  • Indoor Plants
Lottie Dalziel
Lottie Dalziel
Lottie Dalziel, is a 4AM riser and coffee-addict who loves reading up on the latest trends in sustainability or discovering ways to upcycle almost anything! You can find her by the beach, cooking up a storm or adding to her abundant (some would say out of control) plant collection.

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