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Real-time pollen data for Henderson — updated daily.
Henderson's tree pollen season begins earlier than most of the country, often by mid-February when desert temperatures start warming. The most significant tree allergens in Henderson are non-native species that were planted extensively during the Las Vegas Valley's rapid suburban growth. Mulberry trees are among the most allergenic trees in the valley — Clark County banned the sale and planting of fruitless (male) mulberry trees in 1991 because they produced enormous quantities of highly allergenic pollen that overwhelmed the valley's healthcare system. Despite the ban, thousands of pre-1991 mulberry trees remain throughout Henderson and continue releasing massive pollen loads each spring, with UNLV's pollen monitoring program documenting mulberry as a chronic pollen offender. Readings have exceeded 10,000 grains per cubic meter in heavily treed neighborhoods, and the valley's all-time high reached nearly 70,000 grains per cubic meter. European olive trees were banned in the same 1991 ordinance for identical reasons — their fine, powdery pollen is highly allergenic and travels considerable distances on desert winds. Olive trees can live for hundreds of years, meaning pre-ban trees will continue pollinating for generations. Ash trees release significant allergenic pollen in March and April. Oak pollen peaks from March into May. Juniper and cypress begin pollinating as early as February. Pine, mesquite, cottonwood, and sycamore contribute additional spring pollen. Henderson's position on the southeast side of the Las Vegas Valley, bordered by desert and mountain terrain, means wind patterns can concentrate pollen from across the entire valley.
Grass pollen season in Henderson is relatively brief but intense compared to humid-climate cities. Bermuda grass is the dominant grass allergen — this drought-resistant species is used extensively in residential lawns, parks, golf courses, athletic fields, and commercial landscapes throughout Henderson. Bermuda grass produces highly allergenic pollen from late spring through early summer. Ryegrass pollinates from late winter through spring. Bluegrass is common in maintained landscapes. The grass pollen season in Henderson is compressed because triple-digit summer temperatures suppress pollen production. By late June and into July, when temperatures consistently exceed 100°F, grass pollen drops dramatically. This heat-driven suppression creates a genuine low-pollen window in midsummer that is unique to desert cities. However, the brief season can be intense because Henderson's dry climate and persistent wind keep grass pollen airborne longer than in humid environments where moisture weighs pollen down. Golf courses and irrigated parks throughout Henderson maintain extensive grass coverage that generates concentrated local pollen, and afternoon valley winds can distribute this pollen across residential areas.
Fall brings the second major allergy season in Henderson, driven primarily by weed pollens. Ragweed is the dominant fall allergen — despite not being native to the Mojave Desert, ragweed has become well-established in disturbed habitats, roadsides, construction sites, and urban areas throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Ragweed releases abundant pollen from late August through October. Sagebrush is one of the most prevalent native plants in the desert surrounding Henderson, producing copious quantities of fine, lightweight pollen that wind carries long distances across the valley. Sagebrush pollen season runs from late summer into early autumn. Pigweed, lamb's quarters, and other members of the Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae family are common in disturbed desert soils and produce pollen from late spring through autumn. Russian thistle (tumbleweed) is widespread in undeveloped desert areas bordering Henderson and produces allergenic pollen. The fall weed pollen season coincides with increased wind patterns in the Las Vegas Valley, which amplify pollen distribution and make fall allergies particularly difficult because the wind stirs pollen that has settled and redistributes it throughout the day.
Desert dust is a constant component of Henderson's allergen profile and fundamentally different from pollen. The Mojave Desert terrain surrounding Henderson generates mineral dust during wind events, construction activity, and disturbance of undeveloped land. This desert dust contains fine particulate matter that irritates airways and can amplify allergic reactions to pollen and other allergens. Henderson's explosive growth has generated decades of continuous construction activity, exposing desert soil and creating additional dust sources. The extreme dryness of Henderson's climate — with humidity often below 15% — is itself a respiratory challenge. Dry air dries out nasal passages and reduces their natural ability to filter airborne particles, meaning pollen, dust, and other irritants penetrate deeper into the respiratory tract than they would in humid environments. This is why many allergy sufferers who relocate to the desert expecting relief instead find their symptoms eventually worsen. Dust mites are present in Henderson homes year-round, particularly in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Mold develops in bathrooms, kitchens, and around evaporative cooling systems. Pet dander and cockroach allergens contribute to indoor exposure. The contrast between sealed, air-conditioned interiors and the extreme outdoor heat creates environments where indoor allergens concentrate during summer months when windows remain closed.
Severity: Moderate to High
Henderson's allergy season begins earlier than most people expect. By mid-February, warming desert temperatures trigger pollination in juniper, cypress, and cedar trees. March brings the valley's most significant allergy event: mulberry trees release massive pollen loads that have historically overwhelmed the region's healthcare system. Despite Clark County's 1991 ban on new mulberry and olive tree plantings, thousands of pre-ban trees remain throughout Henderson and the Las Vegas Valley. Ash trees release significant pollen in March and April. Oak pollen begins rising. By late March, pollen from multiple tree species overlaps to create peak concentrations. Henderson's dry, windy spring weather keeps pollen airborne longer than in humid cities. Desert dust becomes more active as spring winds increase. Many newcomers to Henderson experience their first desert allergy season during this period, often 2–5 years after relocating, once their immune system has been sensitized to local allergens.
Severity: High to Severe
April through early June is the most intense allergy period in Henderson. Late tree pollen from olive, oak, pine, mesquite, and cottonwood overlaps with rising grass pollen from Bermuda grass, ryegrass, and bluegrass. Olive tree pollen is particularly problematic — fine and powdery, it travels long distances on desert winds and triggers severe reactions including asthma attacks. Golf courses, parks, and irrigated residential landscapes generate concentrated grass pollen. April and May are consistently the highest pollen months in the Las Vegas Valley, with multiple allergen types peaking simultaneously. Warm, dry, windy afternoons create the worst conditions because wind stirs settled pollen back into the air. By late May and June, temperatures begin climbing toward triple digits, and grass pollen starts declining. This transition from peak spring pollen to the summer heat break is gradual, and June can still bring significant allergen days depending on temperature patterns.
Severity: Low to Moderate
Henderson's extreme summer heat provides genuine allergy relief — a pattern unique to desert cities. When temperatures consistently exceed 100°F through July and early August, most plants dramatically reduce or stop pollen production. This creates a low-outdoor-allergen window that humid-climate cities don't experience. However, this summer break is not symptom-free. Desert dust storms can occur during monsoon season (July–September), pushing fine particulate matter through the valley. Indoor allergens intensify as homes remain sealed with air conditioning for months — dust mites, pet dander, and indoor mold become the primary triggers. The dry indoor air from constant air conditioning dries nasal passages and reduces their filtering capacity. By late August, as temperatures begin moderating, ragweed and other weeds begin pollinating, signaling the start of the fall allergy season.
Severity: Moderate to High
September marks the beginning of Henderson's second major allergy season. Ragweed pollen peaks in September and October, with the fall wind patterns distributing it across the valley. Sagebrush releases enormous quantities of lightweight pollen that the desert wind carries for miles from the surrounding Mojave landscape into Henderson's residential areas. Pigweed and other weed species contribute additional fall pollen. October is often the peak fall allergy month, with multiple weed species releasing pollen simultaneously and wind patterns at their most active for distributing allergens. November sees declining pollen as temperatures cool, and by December, outdoor pollen is minimal. Winter provides the longest allergy break in Henderson, though indoor allergens from dust mites, pet dander, and mold remain active. Holiday gatherings with live Christmas trees can introduce brief mold and tree allergen exposure indoors. The winter break is genuine but shorter than residents expect — by mid-February, the cycle begins again.
One of the most persistent myths about desert living is that dry climates eliminate allergies. Thousands of allergy sufferers relocate to Henderson and the Las Vegas Valley expecting their symptoms to disappear. The reality is very different. While new residents may experience a honeymoon period of 2–5 years as their immune system encounters unfamiliar desert allergens, most eventually develop sensitivities to local pollen, dust, and other triggers. Henderson's warm temperatures support an extended pollination calendar, and decades of suburban development introduced massive quantities of non-native allergenic plants into what was once open desert. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has ranked Las Vegas among the top 35 worst U.S. metropolitan areas for allergy sufferers. Henderson's dry air actually makes allergies worse in some ways because reduced nasal mucus production means your body's natural defense against airborne particles is impaired.
Clark County banned the sale and planting of fruitless (male) mulberry trees and European olive trees in 1991 because both species produced such extreme pollen that they overwhelmed the valley's healthcare system. However, trees planted before the ban were grandfathered in. Mulberry trees typically live 40–50 years, meaning many pre-ban trees are still producing pollen and will continue for years. Olive trees can live for centuries. UNLV's pollen monitoring program has documented mulberry pollen readings exceeding 10,000 grains per cubic meter in heavily treed older neighborhoods. If you live in an established Henderson neighborhood with mature landscaping planted before 1991, your spring allergy exposure may be significantly higher than in newer developments that use desert-appropriate plants. Identifying the specific trees near your home helps explain why your symptoms may differ dramatically from neighbors in other parts of the city.
UNLV research has documented significant variations in airborne pollen concentrations among different locations within the Las Vegas Valley. Older suburban neighborhoods with extensive non-native landscaping have measurably higher pollen counts than newer areas with desert-appropriate plantings. Areas closer to undeveloped desert experience more mineral dust but fewer plant allergens. Neighborhoods near golf courses, parks, or irrigated common areas have elevated grass pollen. Henderson spans diverse terrain — from established neighborhoods near Green Valley to newer master-planned communities near Inspirada and the foothills. Understanding your specific micro-environment helps explain your symptom patterns and guides practical decisions about when to keep windows open versus sealed.
Desert dust from the Mojave terrain surrounding Henderson is a distinct respiratory irritant that exists independently of pollen season. Wind events, construction activity, and disturbance of undeveloped land generate fine mineral dust that can trigger sneezing, congestion, coughing, and asthma attacks even in people who don't have pollen allergies. During monsoon season (July–September), sudden wind events can push dust walls through the valley. Henderson's ongoing construction and development continuously exposes new desert soil to wind erosion. Desert dust also amplifies pollen allergies — the particulate matter irritates airways that are already sensitized to pollen, creating a compounding effect. HEPA air purifiers are essential in Henderson homes year-round, not just during pollen season.
Henderson is one of few major U.S. cities where extreme summer heat actually suppresses pollen production, creating a genuine low-outdoor-allergen window in July and early August. When temperatures consistently exceed 100°F, most plants reduce or stop pollinating. If you suffer from spring or fall pollen allergies, this midsummer window is a real opportunity for outdoor activity with minimal pollen exposure. However, the summer break doesn't eliminate all respiratory triggers — dust storms during monsoon season, indoor allergen concentration from sealed air-conditioned homes, and dry air irritation all persist. The break is also shorter than it appears: ragweed begins pollinating by late August, and the transition into fall allergy season can begin before the heat fully breaks.
HeyAllergy offers telemedicine appointments with board-certified allergists and immunologists licensed in Nevada. Book a virtual consultation from your home in Henderson, Boulder City, North Las Vegas, or anywhere in Clark County. Have allergy blood tests ordered at a convenient local lab and receive a personalized treatment plan. HeyPak sublingual immunotherapy drops ship directly to your door and treat the root cause of allergies by building tolerance to your specific desert triggers — from mulberry and olive pollen to Bermuda grass, ragweed, sagebrush, dust mites, and mold. In a desert valley where dry air impairs your nasal defenses and non-native landscaping has created an unexpectedly rich allergen environment, treating the underlying cause offers relief that seasonal medications struggle to match.
March through May is the worst period, when mulberry, olive, ash, and oak tree pollen peaks alongside rising grass pollen. September through October is the second-worst period, driven by ragweed and sagebrush weed pollen. July offers genuine relief as triple-digit heat suppresses pollen production across the valley.
The most common allergens in Henderson are mulberry tree pollen (despite the 1991 ban), olive tree pollen, Bermuda grass, ragweed, sagebrush, desert dust, ash, oak, juniper, and dust mites. Most of the worst allergen-producing plants are non-native species planted for landscaping rather than native desert plants. A blood allergy test identifies your specific triggers.
Most allergy sufferers who relocate to the desert experience a honeymoon period of 2 to 5 years before developing sensitivities to local allergens. Henderson's warm climate, non-native landscaping, desert dust, and dry air that impairs nasal defenses all contribute. The desert allergy myth has been disproven — Las Vegas ranks among the top 35 worst U.S. metro areas for allergies.
Yes. HeyAllergy provides telemedicine appointments with board-certified allergists and immunologists licensed in Nevada. Book a virtual consultation from anywhere in the state, have allergy blood tests ordered at a lab near you, and start a personalized treatment plan without visiting a clinic. No referral needed and no waitlist.
HeyPak sublingual immunotherapy uses customized liquid drops placed under your tongue daily. The drops contain precise doses of the specific allergens triggering your symptoms — whether mulberry, olive, Bermuda grass, ragweed, sagebrush, or dust mites. Over time, your immune system builds tolerance, reducing allergic reactions and medication dependence. Most patients notice improvement within 3 to 6 months.
HeyAllergy accepts Medicare and most major PPO health plans, including United Healthcare, Health Net, Anthem Blue Cross, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, Humana, Oscar, and Tricare. Contact your insurance provider with Tax ID: 85-0834175 to confirm your specific telemedicine coverage.
Clark County banned the sale and planting of fruitless (male) mulberry trees and European olive trees in 1991 because both species produced extreme pollen that overwhelmed the valley's healthcare system. However, trees planted before the ban were grandfathered in. Mulberry trees live 40 to 50 years, and olive trees can survive centuries, so pre-ban trees still pollinate heavily each spring throughout Henderson.
HeyAllergy offers fast scheduling with no waitlist. Book a telemedicine appointment with a board-certified allergist and connect from home using your phone, tablet, or computer. Henderson and Clark County residents can access specialist care immediately without waiting weeks for a local opening.
Henderson, Nevada, is a city of approximately 320,000 residents situated in the southeast corner of the Las Vegas Valley within the Mojave Desert. As Nevada's second-largest city, Henderson stretches from established neighborhoods near Green Valley through master-planned communities like Anthem and Inspirada toward the desert foothills and the corridor connecting to Boulder City and Lake Mead. For decades, allergy sufferers from across the country relocated to Henderson and the broader Las Vegas area expecting the dry desert climate to eliminate their symptoms. The reality has proven very different. While the Mojave Desert's native vegetation produces relatively modest pollen, the explosive urban growth of the Las Vegas Valley from the 1960s through the 2000s transformed the landscape by introducing massive quantities of non-native trees, grasses, and ornamental plants that create an allergen environment rivaling many traditionally green cities. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has ranked the Las Vegas metropolitan area among the top 35 worst U.S. cities for allergy sufferers — a ranking that has worsened in recent years as the planted landscape matures and produces increasing pollen.
Henderson's most distinctive allergy story involves two tree species that became so problematic the county made them illegal. In 1991, Clark County commissioners banned the sale and planting of fruitless (male) mulberry trees and European olive trees due to the severe allergic reactions their pollen caused across the valley. The mulberry crisis developed because landscapers chose male trees exclusively — female mulberry trees produce messy dark fruit, so developers planted only fruitless males for shade. The unintended consequence was that thousands of male trees produced enormous clouds of allergenic pollen with no female trees nearby to capture it. Mulberry pollen concentrations have been documented exceeding 10,000 grains per cubic meter in heavily treed neighborhoods, and UNLV's pollen monitoring program identified the valley's all-time high near 70,000 grains per cubic meter on a mulberry-lined street. European olive trees were banned in the same ordinance for their equally potent allergenic pollen. However, trees planted before the ban were grandfathered in. Mulberry trees typically live 40–50 years, so many pre-ban trees continue pollinating throughout Henderson's older neighborhoods. Olive trees can survive for centuries. This means the 1991 ban reduced the problem's growth but did not eliminate existing sources. Henderson's newer master-planned communities use more desert-appropriate landscaping, but the city's older neighborhoods retain the legacy allergenic trees that make spring pollen season severe.
The fundamental reason Henderson has allergies at all — contrary to the desert myth — is the urban oasis effect. As the Las Vegas Valley urbanized, development converted open Mojave Desert into irrigated residential landscaping, golf courses, parks, and commercial properties filled with non-native trees, grasses, and ornamental plants. University of Nevada research documented how this urbanization introduced allergenic species including maple, ash, mulberry, olive, pine, cottonwood, and extensive Bermuda grass coverage into an environment that previously had only sparse native desert vegetation. The warm desert climate supports an extended pollination calendar — trees can begin pollinating by February, weeks earlier than northern states. UNLV research monitoring pollen across five Las Vegas Valley locations found significant variations in airborne pollen concentrations between microenvironments within the city, meaning your specific neighborhood's landscaping directly determines your allergen exposure. Areas with older, established non-native plantings had measurably higher pollen counts than areas closer to undeveloped desert. Henderson's diverse geography — from irrigated master-planned communities to neighborhoods bordering undeveloped desert — means allergy experiences can vary dramatically across the city.
Beyond pollen, Henderson residents face year-round respiratory challenges from desert dust and extreme dry air. The Mojave Desert terrain surrounding Henderson generates mineral dust during wind events, and the city's ongoing construction and development continuously expose raw desert soil to wind erosion. During monsoon season from July through September, sudden wind events can push dust across the valley. Desert dust contains fine particulate matter that independently irritates airways and amplifies allergic reactions to pollen. Henderson's extreme aridity — with relative humidity often dropping below 15% — compounds the problem. Dry air dries out nasal passages and reduces the mucus that naturally filters airborne particles. This means pollen, dust, and other irritants penetrate deeper into the respiratory tract in Henderson than they would in a humid environment. The irony is that the very dryness people associate with allergy relief actually impairs the body's natural defenses against airborne allergens. This is the core mechanism behind the common observation that allergy sufferers who relocate to the desert feel better initially but develop worsening symptoms after 2–5 years of cumulative exposure with compromised nasal defenses.
Henderson's allergy calendar follows a distinctive two-season pattern with a genuine midsummer break — unique among major U.S. cities. The spring season runs from February through early June, driven by tree pollen (mulberry, olive, ash, oak, juniper) transitioning into grass pollen (Bermuda, ryegrass, bluegrass). The fall season runs from late August through November, driven by weed pollen (ragweed, sagebrush, pigweed). Between these seasons, triple-digit temperatures from late June through July suppress pollen production across the valley, creating a real low-outdoor-allergen window. This pattern means Henderson residents can plan outdoor activities strategically. The midsummer heat break provides genuine pollen relief, though dust and indoor allergens persist. The transitions between seasons — late May into June and late August into September — are the periods when allergen loads shift rather than disappear. Understanding this calendar helps time medication adjustments and outdoor exposure.
HeyAllergy's telemedicine platform connects Henderson and Clark County residents to board-certified allergists and immunologists licensed in Nevada. A virtual consultation from home eliminates clinic wait times. Allergy blood tests are ordered at a convenient local lab, and a personalized treatment plan is developed based on your specific triggers. HeyPak sublingual immunotherapy drops ship directly to your door and treat the root cause of allergies by building your immune system's tolerance to your desert allergens — from mulberry and olive pollen to Bermuda grass, ragweed, sagebrush, dust mites, and mold. In a desert valley where non-native landscaping has created an unexpectedly rich allergen environment and dry air impairs your natural defenses, treating the underlying cause offers sustained relief that antihistamines and nasal sprays alone cannot provide.
