AMERICAN HONEY PLANTS 



25 



than others, and it is probable that the flow from all kinds is more or 

 less affected by soil or climatic conditions. So few beekeepers differen- 

 tiate between the species that it is very difficult to secure satisfactory 

 information regarding their comparative value. 



Asters are very seldom mentioned as sources of nectar in the south- 

 west. Yet twenty-one species are listed as occurring in New Mexico. They 

 seem to be of importance principally in the Eastern States. There are 

 numerous reports of honey from asters in the Southeastern States of 

 Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, the amount of surplus increasing north- 

 ward. 



In most localities, the aster honey is mixed with that from goldenrod, 



and the two sources are usually 



spoken of together. In the Septem- 

 ber, 1917, issue of the American Bee 

 Journal, appeared an extended article 

 on goldenrods. Like the asters, they 

 are of wide distribution, and, like 

 them, they seem to produce nectar 

 more abundantly in the moist climate 

 of the Eastern States. Both bloom 

 late in autumn, the crop often being 

 cut short by frost. 



According to Lovell, the asters 

 are never common enough to yield a 

 surplus in Maine, and the honey is 

 always mixed with goldenrod. 



As to the quality of the honey, 

 there are many conflicting reports. 

 Many reports are to the effect that 

 the quality is poor and not suitable 

 for table use. The fact that the 



i.-lstc 



12. Large-leaved aster 

 phyllus). 



honey is seldom unmixed with that of other fall flowers, may be respon- 

 sible for this impression. C. P. Dadant had one year, in Illinois, a crop of 

 about six barrels which was almost pure aster honey. This honey was 

 secured late in the season, after other plants had ceased to yield, and was 

 almost white, and of very fine quality. 



There are numerous reports that a strong odor is apparent in the 

 apiary when asters are yielding. We quote some of these : 



"We had a fall flow from wild asters that filled the hives with 

 honey for wintering, and gave a few gallons of extracted honey. The 

 honey is of good color and weight, but rather strong for table use. It 

 also granulates very quickly. When the bees are gathering this honey 

 the hives give off a rank and somewhat sickening odor, which can be 

 detected for quite a distance away. * * * This odor disappears as 

 the honey ripens and the flow ceases, but the strong taste never en- 

 tirely disappears. It is as strong as basswood and not nearly so pleas- 

 ant." — D. E. Andrews, Bloomington, Ind., page 98, American Bee Jour- 

 nal, 1907. 



"The odor is not unpleasant, but is very noticeable when the bees 

 are bringing, much of it in, and it can be distinguished a considerable 



