Common questions

Is there ragweed in South Texas?

Is there ragweed in South Texas?

In South and Central Texas, we have four seasons, they simply go by different names: Mountain Cedar, Spring Trees, Summer Grasses, and Ragweed/Pigweed.

When is ragweed season over in Texas?

The pollination of ragweed occurs nearly the same time each year and lasts between six and eight weeks. In north central Texas area (Dallas Fort Worth), the season ranges from mid-August through November or until the first frost. In many areas, however, ragweed pollen levels usually peak in mid September.

How long does ragweed season last in South Texas?

Ragweed releases pollen in mid- to late-August, and the season will last until the first freeze of the winter.

Is ragweed bad in Texas?

Common Seasonal Allergies in Texas Ragweed is a plant that can produce up to one billion little pollen grains. These grains are lightweight and can float effortlessly in the air for up to 400 miles. The Dallas Forth-Worth area has been ranked amongst one of the top 5 worst places for ragweed allergens.

Where does ragweed grow in Texas?

Western ragweed grows mainly on disturbed sites, dry rangelands and hillsides. It is a common rangeland weed across Texas.

What are the symptoms of ragweed allergy?

Symptoms of ragweed allergy are similar to those of other pollen allergies:

  • Sneezing.
  • Runny nose.
  • Nasal congestion.
  • Headaches.
  • Irritated eyes.
  • Itchy throat.

Why are my allergies so bad this year in Texas?

The main reason is due to the temperate climate. Plants in Texas only endure occasional periods of freeze, if any. This allows plants to pollinate all times of the year – even winter. The winter is what really sets Texas apart from other areas in terms of bad allergies.

What does ragweed in Texas look like?

The plant grows from long rootstock, with stout, many-branched stems that can reach heights of 12 to 72 inches. The leaves are thick, gray-green and hairy or bristly. They are 2 to 5 inches long and have deep serrations along the margins. The serrations are sometimes pointed, sometimes rounded.

Where is there no ragweed?

Ragweed Grows in 49 States If you live in Alaska, consider yourself lucky. You live in the only state where ragweed doesn’t grow. Ragweed has even been introduced to Hawaii. Within the 49 states where ragweed grows, there are 17 different types of ragweed.

Does Benadryl help ragweed allergy?

Medicines that can ease symptoms include: antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl) decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or oxymetazoline (Afrin nasal spray)

How big does a ragweed plant get in Texas?

A common Texas plant, it is also called perennial ragweed. Western ragweed is rhizomatous and can reproduce through vegetative tillers that come from the parent plant. The plant grows from long rootstock, with stout, many-branched stems that can reach heights of 12 to 72 inches. The leaves are thick, gray-green and hairy or bristly.

What kind of plant is a ragweed plant?

Western ragweed is a native, warm-season perennial in the Sunflower family. A common Texas plant, it is also called perennial ragweed. Western ragweed is rhizomatous and can reproduce through vegetative tillers that come from the parent plant.

Are there any plants that grow year round in Texas?

Texas’ mild winters allow for year-round plant growth, which means plants can pollinate throughout the year. While other parts of the U.S. are experiencing frigid temperatures that turn vegetation dormant, some Texas plants are undergoing another season of pollination.

What kind of pollen is in spring in Texas?

Springtime adds oak and pecan tree pollen to the mix, as well as pollen from grasses, such as Bermuda, Johnson, and Kentucky bluegrass. Because grasses are so plentiful, this can be a particularly irritating time of year for anyone sensitive to grass.

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Ruth Doyle