LOW ALLERGY PLANTS

by Suresh C. Anand, M.D.

Suggestion for low-allergenic trees, grasses, and shrubs:

TREES

African Sumac *

Aleppo pine *

Bottle brush

Bottle tree *

Citrus

Eucalyptus

Jacaranda

Natal Plum

Orchid tree

Pepper tree

Silk tree

Palm * (California and Mexican fan palms)

GRASSES

Dichondra

St. Augustine

Tif or other hybrid Bermuda grass

You should check with a nursery for the best choice.

SHRUBS

Any flowering shrub

Bougainvillea

Cat’s Claw *

Cactus and succulents *

Ivy *

Mexican bird-of-paradise *

Oleanders *

Privet

Pyracantha *

Yucca

All of the above plants do well in the desert and are easily available. Plants marked with a * are “star performers.” Citrus and other fruit trees and vegetable plants usually do not cause any problems as their pollen is not airborne. Oleanders themselves do not cause inhalant allergies, but pollen and molds may collect on them and disperse during windy weather.

Bermuda grass and olive trees are two of the biggest offenders. Swan Hill olive trees seem to cause no problems.

Last updated on April 26, 2011 by Arizona Allergy Society