Tree and grass pollens in South Africa
The following table outlines the main trees and grasses in South Africa, where they are found and when their pollen seasons are.
| Trees | Region | Pollen season |
| Eucalyptus spp. (Blue Gum) | Mainly in Gauteng, but scattered throughout SA | More or less all year round, except in the Cape. Pollen not very prolific. |
| Acacia spp. | All areas | August to December |
| Willows (Salix spp.) | All areas | Very little pollen, as only female trees have been imported. |
| Pine trees (Pinus spp.) | All areas | Late August |
| Yellowwoods (Podocarpus spp.) | Mostly in the Cape | Mid-October |
| Oak trees (Quercus spp.) | Mostly in the Cape | Varies - mostly late August |
| Stinkwood (Ocotea bullata) | Western Cape | October |
| Cypress and Juniper (Cupressus and Juniperus spp.) | All areas | August, September |
| Plane (Platanus spp.) | Many urban areas | Mainly September |
| Grasses | Region | Peak pollen period |
| Meadow grass or Kentucky Blue Grass (Poa annua) | Coastal areas, interior except Western and Northern border | August, September |
| Bermuda Grass or Couch Grass (Cynodon dactylon) | All areas | September to May |
| Common Reed (Phragmites spp.) | All areas | August |
| Rooigras (Themeda triandra) | All areas except western Northern Cape | June to November |
| Love Grass (Eragrostis spp.) | All areas | August to February |
| Thatching grass (Hyparrhenia spp.) | Mainly northern and eastern parts of the country | September to February |
| Kikuyu (Pennisetum setaceum) | Most urban areas | September to February |
| Rye Grass (Lolium spp.) | Southern, eastern and northern parts of the country | September to November |
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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