Texas’ vast landscapes and diverse flora is home to numerous trees and plants. If you’re a Texan or have spent time in the region, you might be familiar with the infamous Texas Cedar. Also known as Ashe Juniper or Mountain Cedar (Juniperus ashei), it stands out with distinctive appearance and role for triggering allergy symptoms in North Texas. Let’s take a quick look at Texas Cedar allergy and shed light on its symptoms, causes, and strategies for finding relief.
WHAT IS TEXAS CEDAR?
Texas cedar is a drought tolerant native evergreen primarily located in Texas. The name Mountain Cedar originated from its highest density in the Hill Country area. The name Mountain Cedar is somewhat of a misnomer since it is a juniper and not cedar and Central Texas is hardly mountainous. It is primarily triggered by pollen released from the mountain cedar tree during its reproductive cycle.
The male cedar trees become covered with small brown cones that burst open on dry, windy days to release pollen. The pollen is often seen blowing in large clouds in the Central Texas area in January, and is often mistaken for wildfires due to the large and intense pollen clouds. The winds can carry pollen through the air as far north as Oklahoma.
WHEN DOES IT OCCUR?
Texas Cedar explodes in the cold winter months peaking January through March.
FUN FACT
One of the earliest allergists to recognize Mountain Cedar as an allergen was a Dallas physician, Dr. Harvey Black, who practiced allergy in the early 1900s. In 1950 he hired a young allergist, Dr. James Holman, who was my father! Being the North Texas Pollen Station Director feels “right at home” to me since I have been with my Dad counting pollens since I was a child.
MARIE FITZGERALD, MD – DABAI, NORTH TEXAS POLLEN STATION DIRECTOR
HAVE YOU HEARD OF CEDAR FEVER?
Texas Cedar is often referred to as “cedar fever” by the locals. Although ironic, cedar fever does not produce a fever. Instead, it causes our wintertime misery of sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, itchy watery eyes, asthma, and cough.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
- sneezing
- runny nose
- sore throat
- itchy watery eyes
- cough
TREATMENT OPTIONS
No one should suffer from allergies with Family Allergy & Asthma Care excellent treatment options:
- OVER-THE-COUNTER antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays, and nasal irrigation are an excellent start.
- PRESCRIPTION antihistamine nasal sprays can be added. If this treatment fails, immunotherapy by injections or drops is excellent.
- IMMUNOTHERAPY prevents symptoms and is the only treatment option that can be curative in many patients.
Understanding the symptoms and causes is crucial for effective Texas Cedar allergy management. Our board-certified allergists can create a treatment plan specific for you that will provide relief. Learn more and get started today!
