32 



AMERICAN HONEY PLANTS 



Fig. IS. Basswood tree in bloom. 



BARNABY'S THISTLE, see Star Thistle. 



BASIL or MOUNTAIN MINT (Pycananthemum virginianum). 



Basil is common from New England to the Missouri River and south- 

 ward. There are numerous reports from beekeepers to the effect that bees 

 work upon it very eagerly from morning till night. It is probably nowhere 

 of much importance, though it would be if sufficiently common. 



BASSWOOD (Tilia amerlcana). 



The basswood, also known as linden, whitewood, and sometimes as 

 limetree, is one of the best known sources of honey in the Eastern States. 

 'I here arc other species closely related which also produce nectar, and 

 which, perhaps, would not be distinguished by the casual observer. The 

 natural ringe of the basswood is from Canada to Florida and west to Ne- 

 braska and Texas. It is also grown as a shade tree in other Western States 



