41 



sources from which bees secure nectar; every effort should be made 

 to learn the principal nectar producing plants in the vicinity of the 

 apiary as well as the approximate dates of begmning and ending bloom 

 of each honey plant. Such information is valuable in order to stimu- 

 late the bees in such manner as to have them reach their maximum 

 strength when nectar is being produced in great quantities to insure 

 a large surplus of honey. 



West Virginia is situated in the heart of the Appalachian or 

 deciduous leaved forest region. As would be expected the principal 

 nectar producing plants are trees. The more important among the 

 great number of varieties that abound in this region are three species 

 of basswood or linn, tulip trees or poplar, sourwood, sumac, black 



(By Dadant) 



Figure 25. 



Black Locust an Excellent Honey Plant Found Abundant in West 



Virginia. 



locust, Judas tree, maples, black gum, holly, chestnut, willows, and a 

 wealth of shrubs such as rhododendrons, Kalmias and Azaleas, be- 

 sides a great variety of wild and domesticated fruit trees and shrubs. In 

 connection with the trees there is an abundance of herbaceous plants 

 such as clovers, buckwheat, milkweed. Vipers bugloss, golden rod 

 and asters. 



It seems that no one plant stands out as the most important nectar 

 producer anywhere in the state. In some localities, especially along 



