There are about one hundred and twenty species of rhus found in Asia,
South America and North America. There are fourteen species common
to North America. The red or scarlet sumac, shown in Figure 133
(=Rhus glabra=) is most common, being found from New England west to
Saskatchewan, Colorado and Arizona, and south to Florida and Louisiana.
This species is a well-known source of nectar and is especially
important in New England.
In Texas, Scholl lists the dwarf sumac (=Rhus copallina=) as yielding
surplus throughout eastern and south Texas. He also lists green sumac
(=Rhus virens=) as attracting the bees in west Texas.
In California, Richter lists poison oak (=Rhus diversiloba=) as
yielding a superior grade of white honey which granulates readily. He
also reports laurel sumac (=Rhus laurina=) as yielding amber honey of
marked odor but fine flavor.
[Illustration: Fig. 133. Leaves and berries of red sumac.]
The poison ivy (=Rhus Toxicodendron=), common to the Eastern States
from Nova Scotia to Wisconsin and south to Arkansas and Florida, is a
vigorous vine, climbing by means of aerial rootlets. The flowers are
inconspicuous, but secrete nectar freely. Where sufficiently abundant,
surplus may be expected from this source.
Some species of sumac may be expected in almost every section of the
country where woodlands are common. Nearly all species seem to be
attractive to the bees, although it is only in limited localities
that honey in surplus quantity is reported. The honey is reputed of
good quality, with mild flavor. In the east the honeyflow from sumac
is sometimes very rapid and a liberal quantity of surplus secured, at
times as high as 100 pounds per colony. New honey from this source is
somewhat bitter to the taste, but this characteristic soon disappears.
The blooming period usually comes in July and lasts for two or three
weeks.
The dwarf sumac is a widely distributed species, known in some
localities as mountain sumac. It is common in the Gulf States and is
the source of honey in favored localities.
[Illustration: Fig. 134. Wild sunflower.]
SUNFLOWER (Helianthus).
There are many species of the sunflowers, some of which may be
found from the Atlantic Coast to California, and from Canada to
the Gulf. (Fig. 134.) They are tall, coarse weeds, with yellow
flowers. Large numbers of insects of many species may be found on the
sunflower blossoms in search of the nectar. Whenever these plants
are sufficiently abundant they are the source of large quantities of
honey. M. H. Mendleson, of Ventura, California, reports that one year,
following a wet winter, he secured a carload of surplus honey from
sunflowers, although such yields are extremely rare in his locality.
The cultivated sunflowers are of little if any value for honey, but
produce seed in large quantity, which is valued as poultry food. The
Jerusalem artichoke is a variety of sunflower grown for the tubers.
A variety of this plant grows wild in the upper Mississippi Valley
States, where it is regarded as a bad weed. It is frequently reported
as a good honey plant.
Many of the wild sunflowers are perennials, persisting for many years
when once established. They are commonly to be found along wagon roads,
railroads and other waste places. The honey is amber in color and
strong in flavor.
SUPPLE JACK, see Rattan Vine.
SWEET BAY, see Magnolia.
SWAMP LAUREL, see Magnolia.
SWEET PEPPERBUSH, see Pepperbush.
SYMPHORICARPOS, see Indian Currant.
T
TOCALOTE, see Star Thistle.
TANGLEFOOT, see Aster, also Wild Alfalfa.
TARAXACUM, see Dandelion.