Sneezing, runny nose, scratchy throat, itchy eyes… Do you recognize these symptoms? Yes, pollen allergies are never far away in good weather. If it’s the same ordeal every year, know that there are many ways to guard against it, starting with landscaping your yard. Example with these seven plants not to plant to prevent hay fever.
mugwort
mugwort or Artemisia vulgaris is highly allergenic. This imposing perennial (can reach 2 meters in height) flowers from July to September, with a main pollination period in early August. Often described as a “weed,” mugwort is still common in the garden. So watch out for her!
Birch
Beware of the birch (Betula pendula), this well-known tree that can be found a lot in the garden. And rightly so, 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 nice weather arrives.
Cypress
The cypress (cupressus) is used both as a hedge and as an ornament. This spiky and particularly imposing conifer can cause allergies: red eyes, colds, sore throats… Did you know that cypress pollen is the main cause of respiratory allergies in the south of France? [1] So it is better not to plant them in the garden.
Mimosa
To avoid hay fever, do not plant mimosa (Acacia dealbata) in the garden. True, this small Mediterranean tree is aesthetically pleasing, but also causes more or less strong allergies. The pollen is spread by insects (entomophilic plants) and not by the wind (so-called anemophilic 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 it is tempting to taste delicious hazelnuts for free and without measure. But if you’re prone to seasonal allergies, it’s better to skip your turn. Indeed, the hazel (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.
plane
Do you live in a warm region and do you want shade in your garden? the plane tree (platanus) meets your needs. But before you plant 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 true “sting bomb”.
Thuja
Finally, here’s another plant that you absolutely must avoid in the garden to protect yourself from hay fever: cedar (or Thuja† Many of us use it as a hedge or ornament. But keep in mind that this plant is not only allergenic, but also highly toxic due to the thujone it contains. So be careful!
Now you know which allergenic plants to avoid in the garden. Did you like this article? Here are 4 natural ingredients to protect against pollen.