OTHER YELLOW FALL FLOWERS 63 



sections. Reports of good honej crops from this source alone 

 are frequently received from the eastern States. In the Central 

 West it is less frequently mentioned as a honey plant, in some 

 sections the bees seeming to pay no attention to it. It is said 

 to yield considerable honey in Texas in favorable seasons, and is 

 of some value, also, in parts of California. 



The honey is usually thick, and when well ripened of good 

 quality. The attractive flowers are much sought for by many 

 insects beside the bees. Beetles in large numbers, especially 

 blister beetles, frequent the blossoms. 



Coming so late in summer, it is especially valuable in locali- 

 ties where the secretion is sufficiently abundant. 



Wild Sunflower (Helianthus). — The wild sunflower is an- 

 other summer and fall flower of wide range. There are many 

 species, some of which may be found from the Atlantic coast to 

 California and from Canada to the Gulf. They are tall, 

 coarse weeds with bright yellow flowers (Fig. 33). Large num- 

 bers of insects of many species visit the blossoms of the sunflowers 

 in search of the nectar. 



Wherever these flowers are sufficiently abundant, they are 

 the source of nectar. The cultivated sunflowers are of little if 

 any value as honey plants, but produce seed in quantity, which 

 is valuable as poultry feed. 



The Jerusalem artichoke is a variety of sunflower, sometimes 

 cultivated for the hogs. This plant grows wild in the upper 

 Mississippi Valley States, and is regarded as a weed. It is 

 frequently referred to as a valuable honey plant. 



Many of the sunflowers are perennials, persisting for many 

 years where once established. They are commonly to be seen 

 along railroads, wagon roads, and on waste ground everywhere. 



The honey is dark or amber in color. 



Other Yellow Fall Flowers. — There are many coarse plants 

 with yellow flowers that bloom in late summer and fall that add 

 much to the sum total of honey stored. Coming at a season when, 

 in many localities, there is no general flow, they are of consider- 



