Are you a lover of ornamental grasses but suffer from allergies?
Do you find yourself sneezing and itching every time you step outside to enjoy your garden?
If so, you’re not alone.
Ornamental grasses are some of the most popular landscape plants due to their versatility, but they can also be a nightmare for allergy sufferers.
In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between ornamental grasses and allergies, and provide tips on how to enjoy your garden without the sneezing and itching.
So, grab a tissue and let’s dive in!
Do Ornamental Grasses Cause Allergies
Yes, ornamental grasses can cause allergies. Grasses are known to be one of the worst pollen producers, and their flowers bloom for a long period of time over a large area. Even lawn grasses like Bermuda and annual bluegrass can be terrible for allergies, unless you mow frequently to minimize flowering. Fountain grass produces high amounts of wind-borne pollen, making it not considered one of the more allergenic grasses, although grasses tend to be allergenic in general.
The Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America recommends people with allergies stay away from ornamental bushes and grasses that trigger allergy symptoms. Certain types of decorative grasses, commonly used for accenting flower beds or landscaping borders, can wreak havoc on people suffering from allergies, hay fever or asthma. Ornamental grasses that are not kind to allergy sufferers are perennial rye, salt grass, fescue, sweet vernal, Bermuda grass, June grass, orchard grass, redtop grass, Johnson grass and timothy.
If plants that produce flowers are the biggest offenders, then it may be the pollen or the scent that causes your nose to tickle. Grass pollen counts don’t get as high as other flowering plants in the springtime or even during the summer when they peak. To make up for it, grass tends to pollinate longer. For those affected this means milder symptoms for an increased duration.
Understanding Allergies Caused By Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are popular landscape plants due to their versatility, but they can also cause allergies. Grass pollen is one of the most common causes of allergies in the United States, and grasses are known to be some of the worst pollen producers. Grass pollen is produced by a variety of grasses to fertilize other plants within the same species. Grass pollen is especially common during the summer, and it can be carried by the wind for miles, especially on dry, sunny days.
There are more than 1,000 types of grass in North America, but only a few produce highly allergenic pollen. Species of grass that produce more pollen are more likely to trigger allergies. The most common types of grass pollen allergies include Bermuda grass, Johnson grass, Kentucky bluegrass, Orchard grass, Sweet vernal grass, and Timothy grass. Different types of grass grow more frequently in some areas of the country than others, so you may experience more symptoms depending on the type of grass pollen allergy you have and where you are.
Grass pollen allergy affects the eyes and nose and results in conjunctivitis-like symptoms and swelling of nasal passages, eyes, itch, and pain. Genetic variations of genes like IL2, ABL2, LRRC32, and DNAH5 all cause an increased risk for developing grass pollen allergy. A higher pollen count in the atmosphere increases the risks of flaring up of grass allergy. Extended pollination season, windy climate, and global warming are all changes that cause grass allergy flare-ups. People with existing grass allergies find their symptoms getting worse when they come in contact with wood smoke, cigarette smoke, dust mites, and aerosol smoke.
If you suffer from allergies caused by ornamental grasses, there are some steps you can take to minimize your exposure. The Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America recommends staying away from ornamental bushes and grasses that trigger allergy symptoms. Certain types of decorative grasses, commonly used for accenting flower beds or landscaping borders, can wreak havoc on people suffering from allergies, hay fever, or asthma. Ornamental grasses that are not kind to allergy sufferers include perennial rye, salt grass, fescue, sweet vernal, Bermuda grass, June grass, orchard grass, redtop grass, Johnson grass, and timothy.
Common Types Of Ornamental Grasses That Trigger Allergies
Ornamental grasses are some of the most popular landscape plants because of their versatility and aesthetic appeal. However, not all types of ornamental grasses are friendly to allergy sufferers. Certain types of decorative grasses can trigger allergy symptoms such as hay fever, asthma, and other respiratory problems.
Perennial rye, salt grass, fescue, sweet vernal, Bermuda grass, June grass, orchard grass, redtop grass, Johnson grass, and timothy are some of the common types of ornamental grasses that can trigger allergies. These grasses produce a fine dust made of particles called pollen, which is one of the most common allergens in the world.
Fountain grass is another type of ornamental grass that produces high amounts of wind-borne pollen. Although not considered one of the more allergenic grasses, it can still cause allergy symptoms in some individuals.
If you have allergies and want to avoid ornamental grasses that trigger allergy symptoms, consider planting female ornamental trees that bear seeds or fruit instead of producing pollen. It’s also important to note that just because you are allergic to one type of grass does not mean you are allergic to all grass.
Symptoms Of Allergies Caused By Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses may look beautiful in your garden, but they can also trigger allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals. Symptoms of allergies caused by ornamental grasses are similar to those caused by other grasses and can include nasal symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and itching. Eye symptoms like redness, itching, and watering can also occur. In some cases, ornamental grass allergies can trigger asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Some of the ornamental grasses that are known to cause allergies include perennial rye, salt grass, fescue, sweet vernal, Bermuda grass, June grass, orchard grass, redtop grass, Johnson grass, and timothy. Fountain grass is not considered one of the more allergenic grasses because it produces less pollen than other grasses.
If you have allergies caused by ornamental grasses, it’s important to avoid exposure to these plants as much as possible. This may mean removing them from your garden or choosing alternative plants that are less likely to cause allergic reactions. You can also take steps to minimize your exposure to pollen by staying indoors during peak pollen season, using air filters in your home, and wearing a mask when you need to be outside. If your symptoms are severe or interfere with your daily life, talk to your doctor about treatment options like allergy shots or medication.
How To Reduce Exposure To Ornamental Grass Allergens
If you’re an allergy sufferer, you can take steps to minimize your exposure to ornamental grass allergens. Here are some tips:
1. Choose low-allergen plants: Look for showy or brightly colored flowers, which are usually insect or animal pollinated instead of wind pollinated. Some of the plainest looking plants, such as ragweed, are the worst offenders. Strongly scented plants can trigger an allergic reaction and are also best eliminated from your garden.
2. Plant strategically: Consider a plant’s proximity to doors and windows. If you’re constantly coming into contact with plants loaded with pollen, the pollen can get on your clothes and follow you indoors. As you re-landscape your garden, remove those plants that are pollen producers and replace them with low-allergen plants. If you still want to enjoy high-pollen plants in the garden, plant them towards the back where you’re less likely to come into contact with them.
3. Incorporate bee-pollinated plants: Take a look at the flowers that bees tend to gravitate to; showy flowers tend not to be wind-pollinated but rather bee-pollinated. Most big, bright flowers are bee magnets. Their pollen is spread by hard-working insects moving it from flower to flower, rather than through the wind.
4. Avoid fragrant plants: Another hidden culprit is the fragrance of some plants, including roses. Fragrance can spark your senses and cause an allergic reaction. Even herbs like rosemary can produce quite a bit of scent and can be just as irritating as pollen for some people.
5. Diversify plantings: Check with your local nursery or extension office for a list of plants that aren’t high-pollen producers. Bulbs are great because they tend to have showy flowers. They also bloom at a time when there’s not a lot of background pollen in the air so your exposure level is a lot lower.
6. Trim hedges: Keeping hedges pruned back can also keep pollen at bay. The fewer flowers the plant produces, the less pollen gets into the air.
7. Wear protective gear: When gardening, wear a NIOSH-approved face mask, hat, glasses, gloves and a long-sleeve shirt to reduce your contact with pollen.
By following these tips, you can minimize your exposure to ornamental grass allergens and enjoy your garden without suffering from allergy symptoms.
Alternative Landscaping Options For Allergy Sufferers
If you’re an allergy sufferer who loves gardening, there are alternative landscaping options that can help you enjoy your backyard without sneezing and sniffling. Here are some tips for allergy-free gardening:
1. Choose low-pollen grasses: If you haven’t installed a lawn yet, choose a low-pollen grass for your lawn. Consult with a landscape professional for guidance on the best allergy-free lawn for your zone. Some of the lowest-pollen grasses to choose from include Bermuda Grass Hybrids, St. Augustine Grass, and Buffalo Grass.
2. Avoid high-allergy plants: Certain types of decorative grasses, such as perennial rye, salt grass, fescue, sweet vernal, Bermuda grass, June grass, orchard grass, redtop grass, Johnson grass and timothy can trigger allergy symptoms. Stay away from these plants and opt for low-allergen plants instead.
3. Keep grass mowed: Pollen gets kicked up by mowing, so keep your lawn mowed in order to keep grass from flowering. Hire a professional lawn care company to take care of it if possible.
4. Keep ornamental grasses away from your home: If you really want ornamental grass as part of your landscape design, try to keep it far from your home so pollen can’t blow as easily into open windows or doors.
5. Consider non-allergenic plants: There are plenty of non-allergenic plants that can add beauty to your garden without causing allergy symptoms. Some examples include daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths.
By following these tips and choosing allergy-free plants and grasses for your garden, you can enjoy spending time in your backyard without worrying about sneezing and sniffling.
Conclusion: Enjoying Your Garden Without Allergies.
If you suffer from allergies, but still want to enjoy your garden, there are a few things you can do. First, avoid planting ornamental grasses that are known to be allergenic such as perennial rye, salt grass, fescue, sweet vernal, Bermuda grass, June grass, orchard grass, redtop grass, Johnson grass and timothy. Instead, opt for ground covers or other non-allergenic plants.
Secondly, try to minimize your exposure to pollen by staying indoors on days with high pollen counts and windy days. Keep windows and doors shut on these days as well. If you must be outside, consider wearing a mask to filter out pollen particles.
Thirdly, if you have a lawn, keep it mowed frequently to minimize flowering and the release of pollen. Consider converting part or all of your lawn into a garden or wild space that will be friendlier to both yourself and the natural creatures in your area.
Finally, if you do experience allergy symptoms after being outside in your garden, make sure to shower or bathe after coming back inside to wash off any pollen that may have stuck to your skin or hair. With these tips in mind, you can still enjoy your garden without suffering from allergies.
