Most allergy sufferers think of pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds, but some of the plants growing right in your yard can also cause trouble. In some cases, the pollen is the problem. In others, it’s the sap, oils, or even the insects the plants attract. Reactions can be as mild as itchy eyes or as serious as painful skin rashes and breathing problems.
Here are 14 common garden plants that may trigger allergic reactions and what you can do to lower your risk.
Ragweed
Ragweed is one of the biggest causes of seasonal allergies across North America. Its small flowers release huge amounts of lightweight pollen that can travel for miles on the wind. You don’t even have to grow ragweed in your yard to be affected by it.
If ragweed pollen bothers you, spend less time outdoors on dry, windy days during peak season. Keeping your windows closed and showering after being outside can also help reduce exposure.
Related: 12 Common Garden Plants That Are Surprisingly Poisonous
Goldenrod
Goldenrod often gets blamed for seasonal allergies because it blooms around the same time as ragweed. In reality, its pollen is heavy and carried mostly by bees and other insects instead of the wind, making it much less likely to trigger hay fever.
The bigger concern is for people with bee or wasp sting allergies since goldenrod attracts many pollinators. Giving flowering plants plenty of space away from walkways can help reduce unwanted encounters.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a favorite in many gardens thanks to their bright blooms and towering stems. Their pollen is fairly heavy, so it usually stays close to the flower instead of drifting through the air.
Some people, though, may develop skin irritation after handling the leaves, stems, or sap. Wearing gardening gloves can help prevent direct contact if you’ve reacted before.
Related: 14 Plants That Turn Vertical Gardens Into Living Walls
Daisies
Daisies belong to the same plant family as ragweed, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers. While their pollen isn’t easily carried by the wind, some people develop skin irritation after touching the flowers or stems.
If you notice redness or itching after working with daisies, wash your hands right away and wear gloves the next time you’re in the garden.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, often called mums, brighten up gardens in the fall with blooms in many different colors. For some people, their pollen or plant oils can trigger sneezing, itchy skin, or other allergy symptoms.
If mums seem to bother you, consider replacing them with flowers that are less likely to cause reactions, such as marigolds or other low-pollen varieties.
Related: 15 Common Outdoor Plants That Can Cause Skin Reactions
Poison Ivy
Poison ivy is well known for causing itchy, blistering rashes. Every part of the plant contains urushiol, an oily substance that causes an allergic skin reaction in most people.
Learning to recognize poison ivy is the best way to avoid it. Wear long sleeves, gloves, and long pants when clearing brush or working in areas where it may be growing.
Poison Oak
Poison oak contains the same irritating oil found in poison ivy. Contact with the leaves, stems, or roots can lead to an itchy rash that may last for weeks.
The plant grows in many parts of North America, especially in western regions. Stay on marked trails while hiking, and avoid touching plants you’re unable to identify.
Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley is prized for its small white flowers and sweet scent, but it comes with a few risks. The sap may irritate sensitive skin, and every part of the plant is poisonous if eaten.
Households with young children or pets should plant it in areas that are difficult to reach or choose a safer alternative.
Related: 15 Ground-Hugging Plants That Create Gorgeous Garden Borders
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are popular shrubs that produce large clusters of colorful flowers. They rarely cause airborne allergy symptoms because their pollen is heavy, but the sap can irritate the skin of some gardeners.
If you’ve noticed itching after pruning hydrangeas, wear gloves and wash exposed skin once you’re finished.
Wisteria
Wisteria produces long clusters of purple, pink, or white flowers that make a dramatic display in spring. While many people grow it without problems, some may react to the sap or plant material while pruning.
Protective gloves and long sleeves can help prevent skin irritation during routine maintenance.
Related: 14 Easy-Care Plants That Keep Growing With Little Attention
Dusty Miller
Dusty Miller is grown mainly for its soft, silver-colored foliage. The plant itself isn’t known for producing allergy problems, but its fuzzy leaves can trap pollen, dust, and other airborne particles.
Rinsing the leaves from time to time may reduce the amount of pollen that collects on the plant, especially during allergy season.
Mulberry Trees
Mulberry trees provide plenty of shade and produce sweet berries, but they can also cause problems for allergy sufferers. Their pollen may trigger seasonal allergies, and the milky sap can irritate the skin in some people.
Planting mulberry trees away from patios, play areas, and garden paths can help limit contact.
Juniper Bushes
Juniper shrubs are common in home landscapes because they stay green throughout the year and require little maintenance. During pollination, some varieties release pollen that can trigger allergy symptoms in sensitive people.
If juniper pollen causes problems, replacing the shrubs with another evergreen species may be worth considering.
Boxwood Hedges
Boxwoods are widely used for hedges and formal landscaping. While they’re easy to shape, some people develop skin irritation after handling the leaves or experience mild allergy symptoms from the pollen.
Wearing gloves while trimming and washing your hands afterward can help prevent irritation and make yard work more comfortable.
