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Is cottonwood fluff causing your allergies?

Gardening expert Cisco Morris explains if the cottonwood fluff floating across Western Washington is making your allergies worse.
Credit: vagrig, Getty ThinkStock
Poplar branch with feathers, foliage and seeds on blue sky background close-up

It looks like it’s snowing cotton, but will it make your allergies worse?

Gardening expert Cisco Morris stopped by KING 5 to help explain the cottonwood fluff spreading across Western Washington. The good news, Cisco says, is the fluff is not causing your allergies.

“They’re not coming from this! There are male and female,” Cisco said as he examined a fluffy cottonwood branch. “The pollen everyone complains about comes from the male three weeks before.”

The black cottonwood is indigenous to our area and is the fastest growing native tree in North America. In fact, Cisco says the seeds can sprout in just one day after hitting the ground.

The trees can only live in full sun, so the female trees have the wind carry their seeds.

Watch the video above to see more fun facts about the cottonwood fluff. Don’t see the video? Click here to watch.

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