Cedar Fever season has officially arrived and will hover in the air through early February.
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, mountain cedar pollen from ashe junipers starts flying in mid-December and will peak in January. This winter allergy can mimic a cold with symptoms like sore throats, congestion, and fatigue.
The highest Mountain Cedar counts in North Texas are felt when the wind blows from the south or southwest with speeds greater than 20 mph. Be wary of winds as they are known as pollen triggers.
To prepare, experts suggest allergy medication, upgrading air filters, and checking pollen forecasts.
But what exactly is an ashe juniper?
Here are some facts about the Juniper species:
Ashe juniper, also known as Juniperus ashei, is the dominant native tree species in the Texas Hill Country. It's found in central Texas, the Edwards Plateau, the Central Mineral Region, Grand Prairie, Cross Timbers, and North Central Prairies Ecoregions.
Ashe juniper is drought-tolerant and can grow up to 49 ft tall. It provides shade and erosion control for wildlife and livestock. The Juniper species also cause allergy problems for many from December to early February.
The species also provides benefits:
Stabilizing soil: Juniper trees help prevent soil erosion during rain.
Providing habitat: The bark of mature cedar trees provides nesting material for the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler.
Providing food: The fruit of the Ashe juniper is eaten by birds and mammals, including robins, cedar waxwings, cardinals, mockingbirds, raccoons, ring-tail cats, gray foxes, coyotes, and white-tailed deer. The seeds are spread by both birds and animals.
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