It's that time of year again for Texans to prepare for the annual cedar fever season, characterized by runny noses, itchy eyes, and general discomfort. Cedar fever is an allergic reaction triggered by the pollen released by mountain cedar trees, particularly the Ashe juniper species prevalent in the Hill Country west of I-35.
Jonathan Motsinger, Texas A&M Forest Service Central Texas Operations Department Head, explained that while the pollen itself isn't highly allergenic, the sheer concentration of Ashe juniper pollen in the air during this season can affect individuals, even those not typically susceptible to allergies.
Cedar fever extends beyond areas with a high concentration of juniper trees, as wind disperses the pollen over large distances. In eastern parts of the state, eastern redcedars also contribute to a similar allergic response.
What makes cedar fever particularly challenging is the timing of pollen release. While most trees pollinate in spring, juniper trees, especially Ashe junipers, begin pollen production in mid-December. The peak usually occurs in mid-January, persisting until early March.
During cold fronts, dry and windy conditions trigger the release of pollen, creating visible clouds of pollen grains blowing off the trees. This can lead to confusion among newcomers or those unfamiliar with cedar fever symptoms, as they may mistake them for a cold or the flu.
Symptoms include fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, partial loss of smell, and, surprisingly, a slight fever. However, if the fever exceeds 101.5°F, pollen is likely not the cause.
Cedar fever can be managed with allergy medications and antihistamines, though individuals are advised to consult with healthcare professionals before starting any new medication. Monitoring local news for pollen counts and adjusting activities on high-pollen days, such as keeping windows and doors closed, can also help alleviate symptoms.
While removing juniper trees from properties is discouraged due to the airborne nature of pollen, it's important to note that only male juniper trees release pollen. Despite causing seasonal discomfort, junipers offer various health benefits and play a crucial role in soil enrichment, erosion prevention, and providing habitat and nutrition for wildlife.
Motsinger emphasized that, like many other trees across the country causing allergies, Ashe junipers are just one species adapting to conditions and ensuring successful reproduction in the coming spring.
For more information about how to identify Ashe junipers and/or eastern redcedars in your own backyard, check out the Texas A&M Forest Service’s Texas Tree ID webpage or the My Tree ID mobile app. You can also see the distribution of junipers, as well as a variety of other tree species across the state, via the Forest Distribution App.
