OTHER YELLOW FALL FLOWERS 63 
sections. Reports of good honey 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- 
