Yep, pine pollen looks like Mickey Mouse. Spiky stuff is usually from
composites. When they do allergy testing, it's with an extract from the
plant, not the actual pollen, so it must not have to do with the shape of the
grains.
That said, it *is* true that spiky pollens are irritating to the nose. This
will get you one good sneeze or two even if you are not allergic.
Monique Reed
TAMU
