Itchy nose? Watery eyes? Tis the season for allergies!
Some of us are all too familiar with allergy symptoms in the summer. All that pesky pollen in the air can be a downer for fun outdoor activities, and some invasive species might be to blame! Tansy Ragwort, Oxeye Daisy, and Scotch Broom can all cause allergic reactions.
So first off… what is an allergy?! Allergy symptoms are very similar to cold-like symptoms such as itchy throat, runny nose, and watery eyes. These symptoms, just like with a cold, is our immune system trying to protect us except in the case of allergies, it’s a false alarm. If you experience seasonal allergies, you aren’t alone! About one-quarter of all Canadians have seasonal allergic rhinitis, aka “hay fever”. Spring and summer can wreak havoc on sinuses because hot, windy days carry the most pollen to eyes and noses.
Tansy Ragwort
Some of the worst plants that cause hay fever are in the ragweed family. Tansy Ragwort and Oxeye Daisy are both related to ragweed and are a common invasive in the Sea to Sky region. They are both pretty flowers that can pack an allergenic punch! Tansy Ragwort is a bright yellow, daisy-like clustered flower heads. It tends to look bushy and ragged and can reach 1.2 meters tall. A single Tansy Ragwort plant can produce 150, 000 seeds! Oxeye Daisy is the “classic daisy” with white rays and yellow disks, up to 5cm across. It can also reach about 1 m high and can produce around 26 000 seeds. If you would like to learn more about Tansy Ragwort or Oxeye Daisy, head over to our species profile page. Helping to remove invasive plants may also help allergy sufferers; the bonus? Flower picking!
Scotch Broom (SSISC)
Scotch Broom is another invasive plant that can give you the sniffles. It is a large bushy plant with many small yellow pea-like flowers. The mature plants can reach up to 1.5m and are common along roadsides and train tracks, especially in the Squamish area. It is a mild allergen and therefore, it is unlikely to be the main cause of your symptoms. However, when paired with grasses, its strong odor can trigger allergy symptoms.
For more information on Scotch Broom in the Sea to Sky region, you can check out its factsheet, which is posted on the species profile page.
If you remove invasive plants, remember to dispose of them correctly. Invasive plants CAN NOT be composted. Plant fragments can regrow in compost and contaminate the soil. To dispose of plant materials properly, put them in sealed plastic bags in the garbage. For more information on disposal visit: ssisc.ca/disposal.
In the wake of COVID 19 we will not be hosting any public events in the coming months, but don’t let that deter you from spreading positive change by removing invasive species! If you’re interested in removing invasive plants in the Sea to Sky region, you can refer to our DIY weed pull toolkit that is coming soon! Make sure to follow us to be kept up to date.
Sources:
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Forest Service British Columbia
King County’s Noxious Weed Control Program
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