252 



AMERICAN HONEY PLANTS 



This species is a well-known source of nectar and is especially important 

 in New England. 



In Texas, SchoU 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. 



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 in- 

 conspicuous, but secrete nectar freely. Where sufficiently abundant, sur 

 plus 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 at- 

 tractive 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, 



