Elm

Elm trees are very early pollinators, sometimes blooming as early as January in southern regions. American elm was once the dominant street tree in the United States before Dutch elm disease devastated populations. Despite reduced numbers, elm pollen remains a significant allergen, particularly because it pollinates when few other trees are active.

If you're allergic to elm pollen, you may also react to:

• Hackberry (Celtis)
• Mulberry (limited)

• Elm is one of the earliest pollinators — winter 'colds' that don't respond to treatment may actually be elm allergy.
• Elm pollen is often mistaken for a late-winter virus because few people expect allergies in January/February.
• If you react early in the year before other trees bloom, elm is a prime suspect.