Juniper tree?

Question

CAN PEOPLE BE ALLERGY TO THIS TREE ? WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP.

Answer 1

Most definitely. Ozark white cedar, aka the ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei) is one in particular that is well know to cause allergies. Several other varieties can be bad too.

The pollen count for Cedars (A tree form of the Juniper) in my area is moderate right now. They are a wind born pollinator, so the pollens can really get thick when they get blowing. The best thing to do is take a good antihistamine, and maybe a decongestant if you are having problems. Something with Loratadine (antihistamine) should help lessen the effects.

Cedars don't bug me too much, I usually have problems with the Willows and Poplars. When the cotton starts flying, I get the worst sinus congestion. That's the only thing I dread about Spring!

Hey, thanks for the question. I just discovered why I've been having headaches for the past couple of days. The Poplars (Cottonwoods) and Elms have a very high pollen count right now! I'd better get going on my Allerclear.

Trees usually pollinate between February and May, grasses between May and July, and weeds from July until the first hard frost. The pollen count is high during extended warm, dry periods, and is low when it is rainy and damp. The count also goes up when it is windy.

Keep an eye out as to when you tend to have symptoms and it may better clue you in to the cause.

Answer 2

Yes they can. As any person who has ever pruned juniper shrubs knows, sometimes an irritating, burning, and itchy reaction occurs especially on an exposed arm area. This happens when an area of skin has come in contact with the limbs of the juniper while pruning or loading the limbs. Although, some people don't even have to come in contact with the plant, to break out in a rash. Male plants also give off alot of pollen dust during the springtime growing season, which would effect someone with hay fever or asthma, if this is the allergies your referring to. Hope this answers your question...
http://www.medicinenet.com/forum/thread.asp?m=15302

Billy Ray

Answer 3

Folks can develope allergies to all kinds of things, but junipers are not a common trigger. However, they do have a strong essential oil that can be irritating. If you are referring to a skin eruption, I would be inclined to guess that the person may have been exposed to poison ivy or sumac which can be in the same place but at this time of year, not leafed out. Hard to see, but just as irritating as when it is leafed out. If you are referring to a respiratory reaction, I have not heard of junipers ever being involved, but it could happen I suppose.