What is pollen?

Pollen is very fine powder that comes from trees, grasses, flowers and weeds. Wind and birds carry this pollen from plant to plant to fertilize them. When people who have a seasonal challenge inhale the pollen, they get an allergic reaction.

People can be allergic to different types of pollen. For instance, some are allergic to pollen from only beech trees; others are allergic to pollen from only certain kinds of grasses.

Did you know that plants with brightly colored flowers and sweet smells rarely cause allergy symptoms? That’s because insects and birds, rather than wind, usually carry the pollen from these plants.