Yew and pollen release

Just before taking this photo, my friend brushed up against this yew plant, releasing a cloud of yellow pollen that coated his jacket. Although yew and other conifers generally pose less of an allergy risk than many deciduous trees, they can still trigger allergies and asthma. Yew pollen season usually begins in early March around Vancouver, but this plant was already shedding large amounts on March 1. If it continues as normal, we may see a longer season; alternatively, it might remain condensed but more intense. Either way, it underscores how unpredictable pollen cycles can directly affect our health.