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Last updated on March 19th, 2025 at 05:52 pm
Let’s face it, no matter how much we love flowers, sometimes they trigger the worst of our allergies, making us wonder if their beauty is worth the suffering.
Though this is one of the worst things that can happen to a flower lover, you can avoid triggering severe allergies by steering clear of the four worst flowers for allergy sufferers.
In case you didn’t know, not all flowers will trigger an allergic reaction, even for those with sensitive noses. Let’s take a look at the flowers you should absolutely steer clear of if you suffer from allergies.
This is information you’ll want to have, since even if you aren’t allergic, lots of people are. So, before you arrange that same-day flower delivery as a last-minute anniversary, birthday, or Valentine’s Day gift, remember to steer clear of these flowers. An allergic reaction is not the gift you want to give!
The Worst Flowers for Allergy Sufferers
1. Daisies
This may come as a surprise given that daisies are so popular. Who doesn’t love these happy-looking blooms? The problem is that they happen to produce a lot of pollen which can act as a catalyst for a terrible allergy attack. People generally don’t see these flowers as harmful because their pollen is mostly transferred by bees and doesn’t get into the air much. Still, they are one of the worst flowers for allergy sufferers, so it’s a good idea to keep them far away from anyone who might be at risk.
2. Ragweed
Just by its looks, you can tell that the Ragweed is going to be trouble. Though these flowers aren’t generally seen as indoor or garden flowers, they are often used in bouquets due to their unique appearance that gives a rustic look when added to a floral arrangement. However, they can be pretty harmful to a person suffering from allergies, as they are pollinated by the wind.
3. Sunflowers
Unfortunately, these bright yellow globes of loveliness can also trigger your sinus allergies as they happen to be packed with pollen. If you’ve ever seen a sunflower up close, you’d notice that they have a huge center disc that contains copious amounts of pollen.
Sunflowers can often be found growing in rough areas, like the roadside, but can also be found in gardens, since some people value them for their ability to feed bees. If you ever come across these flowers in someone’s backyard, and you’re an allergy sufferer, keep going.
If all of that pollen isn’t enough to scare you, then the fact that sunflowers are pollinated by wind should. You might’ve seen those lovely Pinterest images that portray a sea of sunflowers basking in the afternoon sun, but you should do yourself a favor and stay far away from these fields, as tempting as they are. They’ll definitely trigger an allergic reaction that might need medication.
Luckily, there are a few varieties of sunflowers, commonly known as the ‘Apricot Twist’ and the ‘Joker’ that are not as irritating, as they contain pollen that is too heavy to be airborne. So if you’re prone to allergies, these are safer for you. It is still a good idea to keep even these flowers away from your nose though–no need to press your luck!
Also read: 7 Simple, Natural Ways to Treat Your Seasonal Allergies
4. English lavender
Finally, we have English Lavender whose pollen and odor act as irritants to allergy-prone individuals. The dangerous part about this plant is, apart from causing nasal allergies, it can also cause dermatitis by causing a reaction when it comes in contact with the skin–especially for those who have sensitive skin. So, even if you don’t smell the lavender close up, be sure not to hold it in your bare hands if you have both a sensitive nose and skin.
Of course, this leaves lots of plants and flowers you can enjoy and can send your loved ones who suffer from allergies. And, fresh flowers always brighten up a home, so as long as you avoid the worst flowers for allergy sufferers, no one has to miss out!
Photo by Rodion Kutsaev on Unsplash
Photo by Carrie Beth Williams on Unsplash
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