Pollen Season Hits with Full Force

Pollen Text On Car Hood

The word "pollen" and a frown icon has been drawn by hand into the heavy layer of tree pollen which had landed on the hood of my red vehicle. The spots in the pollen are caused by the morning dew that later evaporates leaving the layer of pollen "spotty". The frown icon is for all of the allergy sufferers out there.Photo: ScottNodine / iStock / Getty Images

Pollen season is currently in full bloom in South Florida and that fine yellow pollen powder clings to surfaces like a price tag.

The annual botanical confetti spread by trees, scrubs and grasses sparks sneezing and itchy eyes in addition to more frequent trips to the car wash.

Rinse it off in the morning, it's back by noon.

Florida's pollen season starts in North Florida and creeps south peaking from January to June.

The severity of the pollen depends on to tree species, local climate and elevation.

One University of Florida botanist says, "Rain from frequent thunderstorms naturally suppresses pollen, so monitor local forecasts."

One UF/IFAS expert says while pollen can be irritating, it’s a necessary evil, if we want shaded communities.

“We don’t love allergies, but we do love shade, tree benefits and wildlife habitat,” Carnevale said. “So, pollen is a tradeoff.


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