The pollens are released by catkins, which droop from the branches. Junipers are another source of spring allergens. They have been used as an ornamental landscape shrub or small tree for many years. The flowers are found in tiny cones at the branch tips. Their pollen comes out in such large quantities that it will appear as smoke if the branches are shaken.
Junipers are cross-reactive with cedars.
This means that the pollens are so similar to each other that if you are allergic to one you will likely be allergic to the other. Thankfully, the highly allergenic mountain cedar does not grow in North Florida. It grows in Texas like a weed, in overgrazed grasslands. It is such a potent allergen that some Texans have needed to leave the state. In a few short weeks we will begin to see our cars and sidewalks covered with a yellow film of pollen.