Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

Allergies of the Daisy Family

Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images

The asteraceae or compositae family, also known as the daisy or sunflower family, is made of about 20,000 plant species. Although most are herbs, there are some tree, vine and shrub species in the family as well. Compositae contact allergy is the name for allergic reactions caused by the compositae family. Sesquiterpene lactones are the allergens found in oleoresin fraction of the stem, leaf, flower and sometimes even the pollen. There are other allergies caused by the daisy family.

Hayfever

Ragweed (Ambrosia) is a group of 15 species of weed plants belonging to the compositae family. These annuals have rough hair stems and divided leaves. Most are native to North America but are also found in Eastern Europe. Copious pollen found in the common ragweed and the giant ragweed causes allergic rhinitis, commonly called hay fever. Common ragweed grows about 3- to 4-feet tall and is commonly seen growing throughout North America. Giant ragweed can reach 17 feet in height and is native from British Columbia to Quebec in Canada and some southern parts of the United States.

Contact Dermatitis

Dandelion (Taraxacum) is a perennial weed belonging to the genus Taraxacum of the Compositae family. It is native to Europe, but it has been naturalized worldwide. Dandelions are described by their naked flower stalk and basal rosette leaves. They contain the taraxinic acid (sesquiterpene lactone) allergen, which is the cause for the allergic contact dermatitis allergy. This occurs after coming in contact with dandelions while golfing, mowing the lawn or working with or near the plant.

  • Ragweed (Ambrosia) is a group of 15 species of weed plants belonging to the compositae family.
  • Copious pollen found in the common ragweed and the giant ragweed causes allergic rhinitis, commonly called hay fever.

Asthma and Other Allergies

Mugwort is native to North America, Asia and Europe. This shrubby bush is commonly found growing in wastelands and reaches up to 7 feet in height. The plant is known to cross react with just about all the other members of the compositae family, including sunflower, ragweed, dandelion and cabbage. Mugwort is known to cause trigger asthma, seasonal allergic rhinitis, pollinosis, upper and lower respiratory tract sensitization, contact dermatitis and urticaria.

Related Articles

The Lowest Temperature of Marigold Plants
The Lowest Temperature of Marigold Plants
What Weed Killer Kills Buckthorn?
What Weed Killer Kills Buckthorn?
Are Gerber Daisies Toxic?
Are Gerber Daisies Toxic?
Homemade Thistle Killer
Homemade Thistle Killer
Herbicides That Kill Creeping Buttercup
Herbicides That Kill Creeping Buttercup
Plants in the Daisy Family
Plants in the Daisy Family
What Is the Meaning of the Thistle?
What Is the Meaning of the Thistle?
Florida Plants That Sting
Florida Plants That Sting
How Long Is the Oat Growing Season?
How Long Is the Oat Growing Season?
List of Night Blooming Flowers
List of Night Blooming Flowers
Deadly Poisonous Plants of South Carolina
Deadly Poisonous Plants of South Carolina
Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root & Yellow Dock Side Effects
Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root & Yellow Dock Side Effects
Are Chinese Palm Plants Poisonous to Cats?
Are Chinese Palm Plants Poisonous to Cats?
Milk Thistle Burdock Identification
Milk Thistle Burdock Identification
Tall Weed With Yellow Gold Blooms or Flowers
Tall Weed With Yellow Gold Blooms or Flowers
Common Weeds in Bermuda Grass
Common Weeds in Bermuda Grass
Stinging Nettle-Like Plants in Florida
Stinging Nettle-Like Plants in Florida
Garden Guides
×