Alder

Of the approximately 35 alder species, the green, gray or black alder are common to Europe. The black alder is mainly found in wetlands or at the edge of bodies of water. The gray alder, for example, is an ornamental in parks and can be recognized in winter by its black cones. The male flower catkins are golden yellow, and the female flower cones reddish.

Like the hazelnut, the alder belongs to the birch family. Due to this allergic relationship, alder pollen allergy sufferers are also allergic to hazel and birch pollen. Allergy sufferers to alder are particularly troubled by the allergen with the designation Aln g 1. Like the hazel allergen, the alder allergen belongs to the Bet v 1 allergen family. These are characterized by strong allergens.

Pollen season

The black alder blooms quite early in Spring time. The main flowering period is in the months of February to March, and is usually parallel to Hazel. Th earliest flowerer is the so-called purple alder, a cross between the Japanese and Caucasian alder. It is very popular, especially in cities, due to its beautiful leaves, fast growth and weather-resistant characteristic. Purple alder blooms about two months earlier than native alders, so allergy sufferers should also consider an allergic reaction if they have symptoms of a cold in winter.

Possible cross reactions

These are identical to hazel and birch cross-reactions. Seeded fruits (such as apples and pears), stone fruits (such as peaches, apricots, cherries, nectarines, and plums), strawberries, kiwis, celery, carrots, soybeans, peanuts, and mung beans.