High Pollen in Boston, MA

About pollen in Boston

Tree pollen is running high in Boston today, making it the main driver of allergy symptoms around the city. Oak, maple, and elm are among the trees contributing to this level, and anyone sensitive to tree pollen should expect it to be noticeable, particularly during outdoor activity earlier in the day. Weed pollen, by contrast, remains very low and is unlikely to cause much trouble. Looking ahead, tree pollen is expected to drop off sharply after today, settling into low levels for the rest of the week. This is a bit unusual for mid-August, since tree pollen typically peaks in spring — a brief late-summer bump like this can happen but should ease quickly. Weed pollen is expected to stay low through the coming days as well, though it's worth keeping an eye on ragweed and other weeds as we move further into late summer and fall, when they tend to become more active.

What to do today

• Pollen is high today; limit time outdoors, especially on dry, windy afternoons.
• Keep windows closed and use recirculated air indoors.
• Shower and change clothes soon after coming inside.
• Consider an over-the-counter antihistamine if you're prone to symptoms.

Tree map

Every dot is a tree near Boston, 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 Boston. Each bar is that genus's share of the tree pollen.

Meet the trees near you

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

Honeylocust

Gleditsia triacanthos

Allergenicity 2/4Blooms spring

Littleleaf linden

Tilia cordata

Allergenicity 2/4Blooms summer

Red maple

Acer rubrum

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Pin oak

Quercus palustris

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Norway maple

Acer platanoides

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Callery pear

Pyrus calleryana

Allergenicity 1/4Blooms spring

Green ash

Fraxinus pennsylvanica

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Japanese zelkova

Zelkova serrata

Allergenicity 2/4Blooms spring

London planetree

Platanus x acerifolia

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba

Allergenicity 1/4Blooms spring

Northern Red oak

Quercus rubra

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Accolade elm

Ulmus carpinifolia

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Swamp White oak

Quercus bicolor

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

American elm

Ulmus americana

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Common sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua

Allergenicity 2/4Blooms spring

American basswood

Tilia americana

Allergenicity 2/4Blooms summer

Common questions

What is the pollen count in Boston, MA today?

Boston, MA is at a high 4 out of 5 on the Universal Pollen Index today, driven mainly by tree pollen. Over the next five days it ranges from 1 to 4 of 5.

Is tree pollen high in Boston, MA right now?

Tree pollen is high today at 4 of 5, and it's in season now. Many allergy sufferers will have symptoms.

What plants are causing allergies in Boston, MA?

The main sources right now are Oak, Maple, Amelanchier, Elm, and Honeylocust. Elm (Ulmaceae (the Elm family), Two distinct seasons, late winter to early spring, and late summer to fall (species dependent)) is actively pollinating.