Sneezing, runny nose, itchy throat, itchy eyes… Do you recognize these symptoms? Yes, when the good weather arrives, pollen allergies are never far away. If every year it’s the same ordeal, know that there are many ways to guard against it, starting with the layout of your garden. Example with these seven plants not to be planted to avoid hay fever.
Armoise
mugwort or Artemisia vulgaris is highly allergenic. This imposing perennial (it can reach 2 meters in height) flowers from July to September, with a main period of pollination at the beginning of August. Often described as a “weed”, mugwort is still common in the garden. So beware of her!
Birch
Beware the Birch (Betula pendula), this well-known tree that is frequently found in the garden. And for good reason, it is the cause of all the little inconveniences of spring, namely conjunctivitis, rhinitis or even asthma… In short, all these seasonal allergies that we fear as soon as the fine weather arrives.
Cypress
The cypress (Cupressus) is used both as a hedge and as an ornament. This prickly and particularly imposing conifer can cause allergies: red eyes, colds, sore throats… Did you know that cypress pollen is the leading cause of respiratory allergies in the south of France? [1] So, it is better to avoid planting them in the garden.
Mimosa
To avoid hay fever, do not plant mimosa (Acacia dealbata) in the garden. Certainly, this small Mediterranean tree is aesthetic, but it also causes more or less strong allergies. Its pollen is disseminated by insects (entomophilous plants) and not by the wind (so-called anemophilous plants). Allergic reactions are therefore more moderate.
Hazel
Having a hazel tree in your garden can make more than one dream. It must be said that tasting delicious hazelnuts for free and without moderation is enticing. But if you are prone to seasonal allergies, it is better to pass your turn. Indeed, the hazel tree (also called Corylus avellana) has a strong allergenic potential, with a dominant peak from February to April. To avoid rhinitis, conjunctivitis and asthma, do not plant this fruit tree in the garden.
Platane
Do you live in a hot region and want to shade your garden? The plane tree (Platanus) meets your needs. But before planting this tree with dense foliage, you should know that it is particularly allergenic. It is not for nothing that it is often compared to a real “stinging bomb”.
Thuya
Finally, here is another plant to absolutely avoid in the garden to protect yourself from hay fever: cedar (or Thuja). Many of us use it as a hedge or ornament. But be aware that in addition to being allergenic, this plant is also highly toxic because of the thujone it contains. So be careful!
Now you know which allergenic plants to avoid in the garden. Did you like this article? here is 4 natural ingredients to protect against pollen.