Moderate Pollen in Houston, TX

About pollen in Houston

Grass pollen is the main contributor to today's count in Houston, sitting at a moderate level that could be noticeable for those who are particularly sensitive. Tree pollen is quite subdued right now, and weed pollen is running low as well, so overall the air is manageable for most people, with grass being the one to watch if you tend to react to it. Looking ahead, grass levels are expected to ease slightly before ticking back up toward the end of the five-day stretch, while tree and weed pollen should stay fairly steady and low throughout. This pattern fits the season: local trees such as oak, magnolia, ligustrum, crape myrtle, and Washingtonia palm are well past their spring peak and contributing little right now, while grasses can still linger into early fall. Weed pollen, including ragweed, is typically more prominent this time of year, so it is worth keeping an eye on even though current levels remain modest.

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 Houston, 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 Houston. Each bar is that genus's share of the tree pollen.

Meet the trees near you

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

Live oak

Quercus virginiana

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Common hackberry

Celtis occidentalis

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Loblolly pine

Pinus taeda

Allergenicity 1/4Blooms spring

Water oak

Quercus nigra

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Arizona ash

Fraxinus velutina

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Cedar elm

Ulmus crassifolia

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Pecan

Carya illinoinensis

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

American elm

Ulmus americana

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Mulberry

Morus

Allergenicity 5/4Blooms spring

Juniper

Juniperus chinensis

Allergenicity 5/4Blooms winter,spring

Willow oak

Quercus phellos

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Chinese elm

Ulmus parvifolia

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

American sycamore

Platanus occidentalis

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Green ash

Fraxinus pennsylvanica

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Catalpa

Catalpa

Allergenicity 2/4Blooms spring

Shumard oak

Quercus shumardii

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Common questions

What is the pollen count in Houston, TX today?

Houston, TX is at a moderate 3 out of 5 on the Universal Pollen Index today, driven mainly by grass pollen. Over the next five days it ranges from 1 to 3 of 5.

Is grass pollen high in Houston, TX right now?

Grass 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 Houston, TX?

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