Moderate Pollen in Washington, DC

About pollen in Washington

Weed pollen is the main story in Washington today, sitting at a moderate level that sensitive individuals will likely notice. Grass is barely present, and tree pollen is essentially absent right now, so any irritation you feel is almost certainly weed-related rather than coming from trees or grasses. Over the next couple of days, weed pollen is expected to climb into the high range before easing back toward moderate and then dropping off sharply. This lines up with the typical seasonal pattern, since ragweed and other weeds tend to peak in late summer into fall. Grass should remain very low throughout, and tree pollen is expected to stay quiet for now — trees like zelkova, linden, sweetgum, hackberry, and elm won't become active again until closer to spring.

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

Meet the trees near you

Get to know the tree types growing around Washington: 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 Washington, DC today?

Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC?

The main sources right now are Zelkova, Linden, Liquidambar, Celtis, and Elm. Ragweed (Asteraceae (the daisy family), Late summer, fall) is actively pollinating.