Can dried flowers cause hay fever?

Do dried flowers cause allergies, including hay fever? Discover whether dried flowers contain pollen and what allergies to be aware of before buying your own beautiful bouquet.

As you probably know, fresh flowers produce pollen, which can cause allergic reactions. One of the most common examples is hay fever, with 1 in 5 people experiencing it at some point in their lives.

But what about dried flowers? These preserved alternatives are an extremely popular choice for weddings, interiors, gifts and other occasions.

To shed some light on the topic, we’ve put together a simple guide covering everything you need to know about allergies, hay fever and dried flowers.

What is pollen?

Pollen is a fine powder released by plants as part of the reproductive cycle. It contains proteins that can cause the nose, eyes, throat, and sinuses to become irritated, inflamed, and swollen.

It’s common for people to have allergies to:

Tree pollen - it's common in the springtime.
Grass pollen - it's released at the end of spring and the start of summer.
Weed pollen - it's released in late autumn.

Those who suffer from hay fever will all have different symptoms, including sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy, red or watery eyes, itchy throat, nose and ears, and a cough caused by postnasal drip.

And unfortunately, freshly cut flowers, although beautiful, can release pollen, triggering allergy symptoms. And no one wants to suffer inside their home as well as outside.

Can dried flowers cause allergies?

Dried flowers are great for so many reasons. These gorgeous blooms are sustainable, low maintenance, long-lasting, and a gift that keeps giving.

And you’ll be happy to know that most dried flower arrangements only have a trace amount of pollen in them, meaning they shouldn’t cause any pollen allergies. Although, it all depends on how they’re made and what type of flower you go for. (More on this later.)

To be on the safe side, we recommend you contact the supplier if you’re not 100% sure.

Do dried flowers affect hay fever?

A study from Allergy UK found that 49% of the UK have had hay fever symptoms, making it one of the most common allergies.

But that shouldn’t stop you from having flowers in your home.

The good news is that dried flowers contain little to no pollen and are the perfect alternative for hay fever sufferers thanks to their little residue, lack of scent and versatility.

Popular dried flowers for allergy and hay fever sufferers include:

Roses
Geraniums
Delphiniums
Gypsophila
Limonium
Marcela
Dried palms
Helichrysum
Acrolinium

However, we recommend you double-check the bouquet to see what flowers are included in the arrangement. For example, if you or the person you are gifting is allergic to grasses, you should avoid these specific bouquets.

You must know your triggers before buying dried flowers or dried grasses, as the rules around allergies for pampas or broom grass differ.

What’s more, as dried flowers last such a long time, they will eventually collect dust, which can cause allergies. And certain dried flowers shed, like reed grasses and fluffy pampas, which can also result in allergy symptoms.

Another thing to consider is how they are made. Some dried flowers get bleached and dyed, creating a strong scent that can irritate people and their skin.