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The poplar fluff is in full bloom at this point in spring, a time of year conducive to allergies. But this tree is unfairly accused of it and gets a bad reputation.
I have captured this photograph of the lint in the surroundings of Torelló, in the Osona region, for The Readers’ Photos of La Vanguardia. This whitish fuzz is the envelope of the poplar seeds and allows them to disperse.
On days of low humidity and wind, this poplar fluff can break off from the tree and end up depositing on the ground very far from the tree that releases it.
It has the appearance of cotton, but it is not the cause of the allergy as such, but rather it can drag other pollens that do cause it. But it is by pure coincidence that they float at the same time.
Of course, you have to be very careful with this fluff because it is very flammable and can be the source of forest fires, especially due to some human carelessness, such as throwing a cigarette butt on it.
The fluff that accompanies the poplar seed does cause some discomfort if it is released from the tree en masse. It can get into the eyes or mouth.
The origin of its bad reputation is, therefore, due to a misunderstanding. During the month of May, it coincides with the time when many plants and trees release large amounts of allergenic pollen. But, although poplar fluff may cause some discomfort, it is in no way responsible for the allergies that are unfairly attributed to it.