We provide here pollen forecasts and recommendations, that are based on our scientifically evaluated data and our expertise. It is our aim to inform persons concerned by pollen allergies in Vienna in a most comprehensive, accurate way and free of charge.
Video Highlight: Ragweed (Ambrosia) pollen from the plant to the microscope slide
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Here you can see the process of embedding ragweed (Ambrosia) pollen. A panicle that is already flowering is tested in the field for pollen release and packaged. In the laboratory, individual flowers are then embedded on a microscope slide and the ragweed (Ambrosia) pollen is examined under the light microscope.
Current pollination
LEGEND
Photo: Flowering ragweed (left) and flowering common reed (right)
Ragweed at moderate levels, reed bloom is coming to an end!
The peak pollination period of ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) has already passed. Elevated pollen concentrations are still to be expected on days with winds from the east, southeast, and south.
Native mugwort has reached the end of its main flowering period. However, the season of late-flowering neophytic mugwort species is only just beginning. From mid-September onwards, they are responsible for increased pollen concentrations and may trigger symptoms in allergy sufferers.
The main flowering season of grasses is over, and reed is now only flowering in isolated areas. Within the city, ornamental grasses are currently the main source of airborne pollen. In shaded areas, some grasses may still be in bloom, which should be kept in mind when walking through forests.
Nettle plants such as stinging nettle and pellitory are at the end of their flowering period and release pollen only sporadically.
Concentrations of fungal spores (Cladosporium and Alternaria) depend on the weather conditions. On days with temperatures above 25°C, high levels are still possible.
The weather will remain unsettled until midweek, after which both temperatures and sunshine hours are expected to increase. Thanks to westerly winds, ragweed pollen levels will remain moderate over the coming days. Grass pollen concentrations are on the decline, while mugwort pollen is expected to slowly increase again. Similarly, fungal spores will only begin to rise again starting midweek.
Pollination profile
Ragweed:
State of the flower: end of the main flowering period/high pollination
trend: decreasing
time of the start of the flowering season: average
Grasses:
State of the flower: end of main flowering period/pollination
trend: decreasing
time of the start of the flower: earlier than average
Fungal spores:
State of the season: main season/high spore release
trend: decreasing
time of the start of the season: average
Mugwort:
State of the flower: end of the main flowering period/pollination
trend: decreasing
time of the start of the flowering season: average
Nettle plants:
State of the flower: end of the flowering period/hardly any 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, plantain, ivy, and mercury is also detected at our monitoring station.
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
The GeoSphere Austria is our partner for weather forecasts and weather data. We are grateful for the professional interchange and the cooperation.
Video Highlight: How to properly remove Ragweed
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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!