Moderate Pollen in Alexandria, VA

About pollen in Alexandria

Weed pollen is the main story in Alexandria today, sitting at a moderate level that could be noticeable for those who are sensitive. Tree pollen is essentially absent, and grass is barely registering, so most of today's outdoor discomfort, if any, will trace back to weeds rather than trees or grass. Looking ahead, weed pollen is expected to remain moderate through the next few days, with a slight bump to a higher level midweek before easing back down. Grass should stay very low and steady, while tree pollen continues to hold at none. This pattern fits the season well: late September is prime time for ragweed and other fall weeds, while trees like oak, elm, maple, and plane are well past their spring peak and largely dormant for allergy purposes right now.

What to do today

• It's important to shower and wash your hair after spending a lot of time outdoors.
• When spending time outside, use sunglasses and a cap to keep pollen out of your face and eyes.
• Wash clothes worn outdoors to remove any remnants of pollen grains.
• If possible, wear glasses instead of contact lenses.
• Did you hang any laundry outside? Now is a good time to hang clothes indoors or use a dryer if possible.

Tree map

Every dot is a tree near Alexandria, colored by how allergenic it is. Click one for its details, and zoom in for a closer look.

Top tree-pollen sources

The local tree genera behind today's pollen near Alexandria. Each bar is that genus's share of the tree pollen.

Meet the trees near you

Get to know the tree types growing around Alexandria: what each looks like, how allergenic it is, and when it blooms.

Red maple

Acer rubrum

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Willow oak

Quercus phellos

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

American elm

Ulmus americana

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Cherry

Prunus

Allergenicity 1/4Blooms spring

Pin oak

Quercus palustris

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Red oak

Quercus rubra

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana

Allergenicity 1/4Blooms spring

Japanese zelkova

Zelkova serrata

Allergenicity 2/4Blooms spring

London plane tree

Platanus acerifolia

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

American sycamore

Platanus occidentalis

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Swamp white oak

Quercus bicolor

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Okame cherry

Prunus L.

Allergenicity 1/4Blooms spring

Rotundiloba sweetgum

Liquidambar L.

Allergenicity 2/4Blooms spring

Kwanzan cherry

Prunus serrulata

Allergenicity 1/4Blooms spring

Maple

Acer

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Hedge maple

Acer campestre

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Common questions

What is the pollen count in Alexandria, VA today?

Alexandria, VA is at a moderate 3 out of 5 on the Universal Pollen Index today, driven mainly by weed pollen. Over the next five days it ranges from 0 to 4 of 5.

Is weed pollen high in Alexandria, VA right now?

Weed pollen is moderate today at 3 of 5, and it's in season now. Sensitive people may notice symptoms.

What plants are causing allergies in Alexandria, VA?

The main sources right now are Oak, Elm, Maple, Plane, and Liriodendron. Ragweed (Asteraceae (the daisy family), Late summer, fall) is actively pollinating.