Pollenservice Wien

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Bent grass (Agrostis sp.) possesses very small and fragile spikelets, that can be viewed in this macro video well together with its anthers (video ©Katharina Bastl (MedUni Wien/Pollenservice Wien)).

The flowering time ranges usually from June to August. Common bent (Agrostis capillaris) is currently in full flower in Vienna and grows along the riversides of the Danube.

Persons affected by a grass pollen allergy should bear in mind that grasses are also present in the forest. The pollination period of these forest grasses has started and usually lasts from June until September. There is a variety of different species that are relevant, including the wood meadow grass, the forest orchard grass, the false brome grass, the forest barley, the hair grasses and the wood melic grass. Grasses provide measurable pollen concentrations in and around forests, especially in clearings. Our colleague Helmut Zwander, from pollen warning service Carinthian documented this several years ago. Those interested can read more here.

Figure: flowering reed grass (Calamagrostis sp.): it grows in horsts and can be frequently found also planted in Vienna like in this photo. Reed grass has a long flowering period and is currently still flowering.

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.

The main flower of grasses ends!

General situation: Grasses and fungal spores are the main aeroallergens.

The main flowering period of grasses has ended. Pollination has still to be expected, although much less intense than before. Fescues, bent grass, reed grasses, couch grass, ryegrass, timothy grass and various ornamental grasses are still flowering. Grass flowering is increasingly shifting to partially shaded and shaded areas, which should be taken into account when walking in woodlands.

Maize is flowering. Their pollen is not transported far due to its larger size, however, allergic symptoms may intensify in vicinity of flowering fields.

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

Sweet chestnut continues to flower. Due to cross-reactivity, people with birch pollen allergies may once again experience symptoms and react to sweet chestnut pollen.

Fungal spores are gaining importance. In particular, Cladosporium and Alternaria spores are in the air.

Pollination profile
Grasses: 
state of the flower: main pollination period/high pollination
trend: constant
time of the start of the flower: average

Fungal spores: 
state of the season: main period/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 bulrush, linden, the sedge family, the nettle family, the goosefoot family, cypress and yew is also in the air.

Current main allergen: Grasses

Grass pollen allergy is the most prevalent pollen allergy in Vienna!
Pollination time in Vienna: April to September; decorative grasses extend the pollination time into autumn!

Occurrence in Vienna: The sweet grass family (Poaceae) is prevalent and found nearly everywhere. Natural monuments, parks, the banks of the Danube and obviously all areas (meadows/lawns), that are mowed infrequently, are hot spots.

Who are “the grasses“?
There are many genera and species of relevance for persons concerned, especially because reactions to different taxa of the family are individual. Those grasses, that are of highest relevance for a grass pollen allergy, are mentioned in the following.
Bluegrass (Poa pratensis): flowers from April to June. It is sowed frequently for lawns and pastures.
Orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata): flowers from May to June. It occurs frequently (especially on meadows, roadsides, ruderal areas).
Falseoat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius): flowers from May to July. Falseoat-grass prefers pastures and clearings.
Fescue grass (Festuca sp.): flowers from May to July. This genus is species-rich and prefers marshes like fine lawns, but also alluvial forests and roadsides.
Perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne): flowers from June to July. Perennial rye grass grows frequently on meadows and pastures and is used as pasture grass.
Timothy grass (Phleum pratense): flowers from June to September. Timothy grass is an allergologically famous gras but plays a minor role in Vienna due to its infrequent distribution. It prefers natural areas.
Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon): flowers from July to August. Bermuda grass is a neophyte in Europa and a light and heat indicator.
Cereals (cultivated rye, wheat and maize): Cereals belong as well to the sweet grass family. Grain fields in vicinity of Vienna may cause locally increased pollination, although cereal pollen is in general larger and thus not transported as far. Cultivated rye flowers usually from May to June, wheat from June to July and maize from July to August.

Cross-reactivity to pollen of other plants: Grass pollen is highly cross-reactive among pollen of other grasses

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.