Knowledgebase

timothy grass allergy #256927

Asked June 25, 2015, 1:35 AM EDT

Hi there. I am a geologist and worked along a levee near Troutdale Airport the last 2 days. I have had a very bad timothy grass allergy for several years. I am really bad right now (literally can't see, and have a horrible red rash on my legs from walking thru it for about 12 hours). I am wondering if I was working among timohy grass. Can you maybe identify the grass in these photos, please? I appreciate your assistance. Regards, Jeff M

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

The grasses are not timothy (Phleum pratense). The main grass in the photos appears to be velvet grass (Holcus lanatus) with some tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) mixed in. Both are very common grasses in western Oregon.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2015, 12:41 PM EDT
Thanks very much.
I was told by my doctor that I am allergic to timothy grass, hence the reason I asked what the grass in the two photos was. Is timothy common around the Portland area? Could it have been among the veggies I was working around, I just didn't see it. I have large patches of raw skin just above the gaitors I was wearing that day. I am sure there was no poison oak or ivy.
Maybe just a really bad timothy grass day.
I will get another allergy test.
The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2015, 2:27 PM EDT
Timothy is common in the Portland area - in meadows, etc. Whether or not that is the cause of your problems I don't know. Perhaps you have developed allergies to other grasses as well. Getting other tests is probably a good idea.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2015, 4:54 PM EDT

Loading ...