254 AMERICAN HONEY PLANTS 



The cultivated sunflowers are of little if any value for honey, but pro- 

 duce seed in large quantity, which is valued as poultry food. The Jerusa- 

 lem 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. 



TOCALOTE, see Star Thistle. 

 TANGLEFOOT, see Aster, also Wild Alfalfa. 

 TARAXACUM, see Dandelion. 



TARWEED (Hemizonia) 



There are about eight species of hemizonia or tarweeds in California. 

 (Fig. 135.) Of these Richter lists three as sources of honey and indicates 

 that others may also be of importance. The tarweed (Hemizonia fasci- 

 culata) is reported as common over a large part of southern California, 

 except on the desert, and north to San Francisco. The blooming period 

 is given from June to August and the honey is said to be dark amber with 

 strong aroma. He states that it is an excellent producer, especially along 

 the coast from Santa Barbara to San Diego, and that the honey is largely 

 used in the manufacture of chewing tobacco and shoe blacking. 



The yellow tarweed (Hemizonia virgata) is said to be common in the 

 interior valleys and to be a "heavy and consistent yielder, beginning in 

 August and lasting for about twenty days, according to Mr. B. B. Hoga- 

 boom of Elk Grove." The honey is stated to be of light yellow color, 

 good flavor and heavy body. 



The coast tarweed (Hemizonia corymbosa) is reported as yielding 

 some honey, but not nearly as much as the foregoing species. 



In Fresno County tarweed, known as yellow-tops, is stated to bloom 

 from April to June and to yield an occasional surplus. The name vinegar 

 weed is sometimes applied to tarweed in the San Joaquin Valley. — Honey 

 Plants of California. 



