Pollenservice Wien

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To prevent the reoccurrence of ragweed, the neophyte should be removed before flowering and seed ripening. Pulling it out is the most effective method (©Katharina Bastl (MedUni Vienna/Pollenservice Vienna)).

Ragweed tends to grow in fallow land, along fields, as well as on construction sites and in bird feeding areas. When removing ragweed it is important for pollen allergy sufferers to take protective measures. Wearing a mask and sunglasses when the flowers are open minimizes contact with pollen. Wearing gloves helps to prevent potential skin reactions. Pulled plants should neither be thrown in the organic waste nor be composted to avoid further seed dispersal. It is best to dispose of the plants in a plastic bag in the residual waste. A big thank you to everyone who removes ragweed!

The Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) and the giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) are considered invasive neophytes in Europe and were originally introduced from North America as ornamental plants and bee pastures. They spread rapidly in dry grasslands and fallow areas, displacing native light-loving plants. The goldenrod is insect-pollinated, so allergic reactions from pollen only occur locally. However, in close proximity and especially indoor, allergic symptoms can still occur due to cross-reactivity with mugwort and ragweed pollen. Additionally, contact with the plant sap can cause allergic skin irritations.

Photo: Flowering ragweed (left) and flowering mugwort (right)

Peak of mugwort pollen season passed; ragweed pollen concentrations on the rise! 

Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) has started flowering rapidly. High pollen concentrations were already recorded and are possible with wind conditions from the east and southeast.

The peak of mugwort flowering has passed, and high pollen concentrations are now only occurring sporadically. Larger populations of the plant can be found particularly in unmowed open spaces and along waterways. Higher pollen concentrations can still be reached in these areas.

Goldenrod is also flowering in the city. Like mugwort and ragweed, it belongs to the composite family and can cause cross-reactions in close proximity to plants.

The main flowering period of the grasses is over and the meadows in the urban area have largely finished flowering. At the moment, ornamental grasses are the main source of pollen. In semi-shady and shady places, you may still find some flowering grasses, which should be borne in mind, especially when walking in woodland.

In the meadows, dock and plantain are also flowering. Both can trigger cross-reactions in individuals allergic to grass pollen.

Nettle plants such as stinging nettle and pellitory are now in their main flowering period.

Concentrations of fungal spores (Cladosporium and Alternaria) in the Vienna area can rise quite quickly to high levels. Particularly high concentrations are possible at temperatures above 25°C and after precipitation.

The summery warm weather will continue over the weekend. Mugwort will continue to release pollen, but peak pollen concentrations are no longer expected. On Friday, the wind will change its direction, causing the already high ragweed pollen concentrations to drop quite rapidly to moderate levels. Concentrations of fungal spores and pollen from nettle plants will remain high.

Pollination profile

Ragweed:
State of the flower: start of flowering period/pollination
trend: constant
time of the start of the flowering season: average

Mugwort:
State of the flower: end of the main flowering period/pollination
trend: constant
time of the start of the flowering season: average

Fungal spores:
State of the season: main season/high spore concentrations
trend: constant
time of the start of the season: average

Grasses:
State of the flower: end of main flowering period/pollination
trend: constant
time of the start of the flower: earlier than average

Nettle plants:
State of the flower: main flowering period/high pollination
trend: constant
time of the start of the flower: average

You can find the typical pollen seasons in our pollen calendar.

Tip of the season:
The ragweed pollen season in eastern Austria is heavily influenced by the long-range transport from the eastern and southeastern neighboring countries. On days with a dominant eastern/southeastern wind direction, pollen allergy sufferers should make appropriate preparations and if possible avoid prolonged periods of time outdoors, especially in the late afternoon and evening hours.

Pollen spectrum:
Pollen from the goosefoot family, the cypress family, hop, and mercury is also detected at our monitoring station.

Current main allergen: Mugwort

Pollination time in Vienna: July to September (some times October)

Occurrence in Vienna: Mugwort has no high habitat requirements and grows in ruderal areas as well as on poor soils or gravel grounds, roadsides, constructions sites and railway embarkments.

Who is “the mugwort“?
There are a couple of species of mugwort (among others e.g. wormwood and tarragon), but mainly one species is responsible for pollination in Vienna.
Common mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris): Mugwort was used as medicinal herb and culinary herb in former times. It can grow into up to two meters high shrub and grows also in mid-altitude areas up to 1600m above sea level.
For some time now, neophyte species of mugwort from East Asia have been increasingly establishing themselves in Central Europe, which can cause a second pollination period at the end of September/beginning of October. This is primarily due to annual mugwort (Artemisia annua) and Kamchatka mugwort (Artemisia verlotiorum). Both species are considered neophytes in Austria and benefit from climate change.

Cross-reactivity to pollen of other plants: to other genera within the same family of composite plants (Asteraceae), among others ragweed

Current main allergen: Ragweed

Pollination time in Vienna: August to October

Occurrence in Vienna: Ragweed prefers disturbed land and occurs mainly on construction sites, along railway embarkments, motorways, roadsides, on farmland and fields (maize, sunflower) on the outskirts of Vienna.

Who is “the ragweed“?
Ragweed, common hogweed, annual ragweed, low ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia): This is the most common ragweed species in Vienna. It was introduced as a neophyte and is meanwhile well established especially in the East and South of Austria. This species is annual and may grow up to 1,8m. It can occur also around bird houses and gardens due to contaminated bird food.
Perennial ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya): This species produces less seed because it spreads mainly through their roots.
Giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida): It possesses three-feathered leaves in contrast to other species of ragweed (feathered leaves) and may grow until 4m height.

Cross-reactivity to pollen of other plants: to other genera within the same family of composite plants (Asteraceae), among others mugwort

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Mugwort is flowering in Vienna (Video ©Katharina Bastl (MedUni Vienna/Pollenservice Vienna)). This year, flowering is somewhat delayed due to the drought in early summer.

Here you can see a flowering common mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) in the city center with already opened flowers.