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Plane tree allergy

The plane tree is a common street tree in cities in southern and central Europe. Its pollen can cause symptoms in spring, and the allergy can be linked to certain food allergies.

Allergen
Plane tree Platanus × acerifolia
Allergen code
t11
Season
March–May (southern Europe)
Key allergens
Pla a 1, Pla a 2, Pla a 3
Included in
1 test
Contents
  1. What is plane tree allergy?
  2. Symptoms
  3. When does the plane tree flower?
  4. Cross-reactivity
  5. How to get tested
  6. Frequently asked questions

What is plane tree allergy?

The plane tree is a large deciduous tree planted along streets and in parks in many major European cities, such as Paris, London, Madrid and Barcelona. When the trees flower in spring, they release large amounts of pollen. If you live somewhere plane trees are rare, the allergy mainly shows when you travel.

Symptoms

  • Sneezing and a runny or blocked nose
  • Itchy and watery eyes
  • Coughing and throat irritation

When does the plane tree flower?

Plane trees flower from March to May, depending on the country and the weather. In southern Europe the pollen arrives earlier than further north.

Cross-reactivity

Plane tree pollen contains a lipid transfer protein, Pla a 3, which resembles proteins in foods such as peach and hazelnut. This link is most common in southern Europe and can cause stronger reactions than birch-related cross-reactivity.

How to get tested

Plane tree (allergen code t11) is included in our Mediterranean pollen allergy test, together with olive, ash and cypress. The test shows whether you have IgE antibodies to plane tree pollen.

Frequently asked questions

Are plane trees common everywhere in Europe?

No. In Sweden, for example, there are only occasional plane trees in parks in the south – not enough for the pollen to usually cause symptoms. In many cities in southern and central Europe, on the other hand, the plane is a common street tree.

Why is plane tree tested together with olive?

All four trees in the test are common in southern Europe and flower in spring. The test is intended for people who live in southern Europe, spend part of the year there or get pollen symptoms when travelling there.

Often cross-reacts with

This text is general information and does not replace an assessment by a healthcare professional. In an emergency, call 112. If you have questions about your health, contact your doctor.

Tests for plane tree allergy

You take the sample yourself at home. The tests measure IgE antibodies in a capillary blood sample.

Tree pollen

In much of Europe, hazel and alder flower from late winter, and birch in April–May. Olive and cypress grow mainly around the Mediterranean, and plane is a common street tree in cities in southern and central Europe.

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