Spring's Gold Rush: An Oak Pollen Adventure

 Spring’s Gold Rush: An Oak Pollen Adventure

Written by Anne Ambs, Allergy and Asthma Center of NC, Cone Health Medical Group

My latest weekend adventure took me to Winston-Salem in search of oak trees and oak pollen. I was quickly rewarded with my first sighting of the mighty oak while ambling down the Old Salem causeway and again while wandering around Salem Lake.  These giant beauties inspired me to look up a few fun facts about oak trees.

Fun facts about oaks: 

  • They are home to migrating warblers.
  • Although oak trees are wind-pollinated, they support a wide variety of pollinators, including 500+ species of butterflies and moths.
  • Symbolizing strength, the oak tree became the national tree of the US in 2004.
  • Raleigh is known as the City of Oaks because it is home to many oak trees.
  • Oak trees are struck by lightning more than any other tree due to their height and high water content.
  • Some oak trees that are over 1000 years old include the Great Oak in Temecula, CA, the Big Tree in Goose Island State Park near Rockport, TX, and the Angel Oak in Charleston, SC. 

Oak trees belong to the genus Quercus and can be found in North America, Asia, Europe, and North Africa. Over 500 species have been identified worldwide, 90 of which grow in the US. Oak pollen season varies by region and species, with oak pollen appearing in the Southern states as early as February and peaking in March or April before a gradual decline in May. Northern states experience pollen season later, beginning around late March, peaking in April, and declining in June.

While there are several different species of oak, one important distinguishing feature exists between the “oak” and “live oak”. Most oak tree leaves have between 7 and 11 lobes or toothed edges, which they shed in autumn since they are deciduous; they produce a conical shape canopy, and they have one trunk with gray/brown bark with deep furrows. They generally grow between 60 and 100 feet tall. On the other hand, live oak trees are evergreen, meaning that they retain their leaves year-round. They have elliptical-shaped leaves with rounded tips and multiple trunks with gray/black bark that is relatively smooth in texture. Live oaks grow more slowly and are generally smaller than their counterparts. They can reach heights of 40 to 80 feet with their canopy spreading between 60 to 100 feet wide.

Individual oak pollen grains cannot be seen by the naked eye; however, under a microscope they appear light yellow or tan in color, with a textured surface and roughly spherical shape. Each individual pollen grain measures 20-30 microns and is light enough to be carried by the wind. When many oak pollen grains accumulate on your newly washed car, for instance, they become visible as a light yellow, dust-like powder.


Here is a photo  of a cluster of oak pollen grains under a microscope. These can be anywhere from 25-50 microns in diameter. They look pink due to the stain used to make them more visible to count. Image taken by Forsyth County Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection staff on April 4, 2024. 


Allergy symptoms due to oak pollen can include stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat, and post-nasal drainage. This can cause throat clearing or coughing and increased respiratory symptoms in some individuals. Other symptoms can include red, itchy, and watery eyes and even slight swelling around the eyes.

Many people who are affected by oak pollen allergies can find relief with over-the-counter medications including antihistamines, nasal preparations, and allergy eye drops. Additionally, allergen avoidance measures can be implemented, but unless you package yourself in a bubble, it is almost impossible to avoid exposure to pollen. If your symptoms are not well controlled with medications, an allergist may be your next stop. An allergist can help evaluate environmental allergies using skin testing or possibly blood work. With the results, an individual plan can be made to provide the most effective plan to provide relief from allergy symptoms.

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