Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Wind-pollinated trees

Hmmrph.

In spite of glorious spring weather in late March and April in the Southern U.S., the combination of a long, cold winter (extended into February) followed by a series of suddenly warmer days has meant that pollen from our native oaks and hickories has been released all at once, showering EVERYTHING in a golden dust.

Rain last Thursday settled things down for awhile, but this week, more sunny days mean more pollen.

The counts are remarkable and setting records.

Achoo!

3 comments:

Tom - 7th Street Cottage said...

Last year, it rained so much in spring that the oaks here didn't produce any acorns. This year, I have a feeling we're going to see the squirrels reproducing in record numbers with the abundance of food. I'll be sweeping them from the driveway in 55 gallon containers again.

. . . Lisa and Robb . . . said...

Oak pollen is brutal in Northern California, this year as well.

My eyes itch.

Janet said...

Between the extra moisture this winter/spring and then the warm temps --all the plants were in full swing for reproduction. achoooooooo indeed.

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