The =Scilla siberica=, or Siberian squill, is an early blooming old
world flower commonly naturalized in the grass of lawns, parks, etc.,
for ornamental purposes. It has small blue flowers which appear as soon
as the ground is free from frost in the spring. The bees seek them
eagerly and, coming at a time when little is to be had, they keep the
bees busy on the few sunny days of early spring. Flower lovers will
find this plant a desirable addition to their garden list. Aside from
planting the bulbs no care is necessary. It will thrive in a stiff
bluegrass sod, where few other plants would grow. It is only necessary
to avoid cutting the grass till the plants have matured.
SCROPHULARIA, see Figwort.
SCRUB PALMETTO, see Palmetto.
SENSITIVE PEA, see Partridge Pea.
SHEEP LAUREL, see Laurel.
SHITTIM-WOOD, see Gum Elastic.
SHOESTRING VINE, see Bluevine.
SHRUBBY TREFOIL, see Hop-Tree.
[Illustration: Fig. 125. The blossoms of Siberian squill are attractive
to the bees in early spring.]
SIBERIAN SQUILL, see Scilla.
SILKWEED, see Milkweed.
SILPHIUM, see Cup Plant.
SILVERBERRY, see Oleaster.
SIMPSON’S HONEY PLANT, see Figwort.
SKUNK CABBAGE (Symplocarpus foetidus).
The skunk cabbage is found in wet places from Nova Scotia to North
Carolina and west to Iowa. It receives its name from the strong odor
which it gives off. Skunk cabbage is one of the very first plants to
bloom as frost is leaving the ground in spring, and its principal
value to the beekeeper comes from this early appearance. The late G.
M. Doolittle wrote (Gleanings, 1909, page 200) that he had seen the
bees gathering pollen from this plant when the temperature stood at 42
degrees. He stated further that he valued it more highly than any other
pollen-yielding plant or tree, and that there was nothing with which he
was familiar so eagerly sought by the bees, nor any source of pollen
which so greatly stimulated brood rearing.
SMARTWEED, see Heartsease.
SNEEZEWEED, see Bitterweed.
SNOWBERRY (Symphoricarpos racemosus). WAXBERRY.
The snowberry is a low branching shrub with conspicuous white berries
which hang on through most of the winter. It is of wide distribution
in the Northern States from New England and Pennsylvania to the
North Pacific Coast. It is also common in the hill country of much
of California, in the White Mountains of New Mexico and in parts
of Colorado and other mountain States. The blossoms are small and
inconspicuous, but they are attractive to the bees, nevertheless. The
snowberry is a valuable plant in many localities in the West, but is
of special importance in Washington and British Columbia. There it is
reported as blooming during the last half of June and well into July
and as furnishing an important secondary flow. According to H. A.
Scullen it is very important in northern Idaho and in Stevens County,
Washington, the bees work upon it in preference to white clover.
Snowberry is a close relative of Indian currant and is illustrated in
connection with that plant. (See Indian Currant).
SNOW-ON-THE-MOUNTAIN (Euphorbia marginata). SPURGE.
Snow-on-the-Mountain is a showy plant easily recognized by the white
margined leaves. It is native from Minnesota to Montana and south to
New Mexico and Texas. It is also cultivated for the peculiar foliage.
It is probably nowhere important as a honey plant, and is of special
interest from the fact that its nectar is so often reported as
poisonous. (See Poisonous Honey.)
SNOWVINE or PEPPER-VINE (Cissus arborea).
The snowvine is a climbing vine with heart-shaped leaves, and berries
the size of a pea, and which are edible. It is common in the low
borders of woods and along streams from Virginia to southern Illinois
and southward to Florida and eastern Texas. It is a relative of the
cowitch. (See Cowitch). It is common in Alabama and Georgia from the
central belt to the coast plain, where it begins to bloom in June. It
is reported as being the source of considerable honey of fair quality.
SOAPBERRY, see Wild China.
[Illustration: Fig. 126. Soapbush (_Guaiacum angustifolium_).]
SOAPBUSH (Guaiacum angustifolium).
The soapbush is native to the dry lands of south Texas and northern
Mexico. It blooms after rains in both spring and fall. At Crystal City,
Texas, it is reported as the source of the first honey in spring,
coming in March. Beekeepers report that with very little moisture
soapbush can be depended upon for honey and that it yields nectar
every time it blooms. The honey is of fine quality, mild flavor and
light color. The flow lasts from ten to fifteen days. (Fig. 126.) The
soapbush has very hard wood, crooked and knotty branches and in places
becomes a small tree and is known as lignum-vitae.
SOLIDAGO, see Goldenrod.