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: Bristle grass, an urban grass species that flowers in summer
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The flowering time of bristle grass (Setaria sp.) is in summer from July to September. Bristle grass belongs to the sweet grass family (Poaceae) and to the subfamily Panicoideae together with e.g. maize, cane or different millet species.
Current pollination
LEGEND
Figure: currently fungal spores dominate the air samples with Cladosporium (left) and Alternaria (right).
Mid- and long-term forecast for Vienna
This forecast gives you an overview for a longer time period so that you can improve your planning.
High fungal spore concentrations, although below average for the time of the year!
General situation: Pollination has entered its typical, more monotonous summer phase. At present, fungal spores are the main airborne allergen.
Fungal spores are in their main season which lasts the whole summer. In particular, Cladosporium and Alternaria spores are in the air. Fungal spore concentrations reach high values, but they are below average for the time of the year compared to the last years. The dry conditions are the cause for this situation. Attention: Fungal spore concentrations increase rapidly after precipitation.
Some grasses are in their rebloom time and only low grass pollen concentrations are measured. Grass species that currently flower are different ornamental grasses, bristle grass (see video), crabgrass and Bermuda grass.
In the meadows, dock and plantain are also flowering. Both can trigger cross-reactions in individuals allergic to grass pollen.
Maize fades to flower in the more rural areas. Their pollen is not transported far due to its larger size, however, allergic symptoms may intensify in vicinity of flowering fields.
Some mugwort plants have started to flower, although the populations in general seem to have been affected by this year's dry weather conditions. The main flowering time approaches, but no considerable pollen concentrations have been detected yet.
Goldenrod started to flower. It belongs to the composite family and can cause cross-reactions (with mugwort or ragweed pollen allergies). In general, golden rod is a rare allergy trigger, because it is insect-pollinated.
Nettle plants such as stinging nettle and pellitory are in their main flowering period.
Pollination profile
Grasses:
state of the flower: main pollination period/hardly any pollination
trend: constant
time of the start of the flower: average
Fungal spores:
state of the season: main period/high spore concentrations
trend: increasing
time of the start of the season: average
You can find the typical pollen seasons in our pollen calendar.
Pollen spectrum:
Pollen from Japanese pagoda tree, the hemp family, the goosefoot family, cypress and yew is also in the air.
Current main allergen: Fungal spores
Exposure time in Vienna: May to October
Occurrence in Vienna: The molds in focus here thrive on vegetation. This ranges from potting soil to grain fields. Note: The concentration of fungal spores outdoor has nothing to do with the occurrence of molds indoors.
Who are “the fungal spores“?
The spores of the molds Alternaria and Cladosporium are of allergological importance, especially the former. The here discussed fungal spores are the most important ones for ambient air. There is a high diversity of molds, that are present indoors and can spread on food. Molds may cause allergies, but also toxic reactions escalating to mycosis (invasion of the inner organs).
Alternaria belongs to the blackness-fungi. It grows primarily on vegetation and causes plant diseases that can result in crop failures (fruit, cereals). Persons concerned should not mow the lawn, since it is often located on dry plants. However, Alternaria is also found in the living area.
Cladosporium belongs as well to the blackness-fungi. It prefers forests, gardens, and swamps. It is the most common fungal spore in ambient air.
Cross-reactivity: In general, there is cross-reactivity to spores of other molds (e.g. Aspergillus, Epicoccum).
- The Pollenservice Vienna is part of the University Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at Medical University of Vienna.
- The collaboration with GeoSphere Austria involves comparing forecasts and exchanging pollen and weather data.
- The Pollenservice Vienna is official partner of the Gesundheitsdienst (MA15) of the City of Vienna.