Partner trees

Hornbeam

Hornbeam forests often have a dense understory and deep shade. Thanks to high humidity and humus-rich soil, the hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is one of the most productive mycorrhizal partners among hardwoods, on par with the oak or beech.

24 species in the database.

Mycorrhizal partnerships of the hornbeam forest

In her "Key to the Fungi of Ukraine," M. Ya. Zerova counts the hornbeam among the classic forest-forming trees with a broad ectomycorrhizal network. Most mushrooms that grow under oaks also thrive under hornbeams, but some species prefer this tree in particular.

In his guide "Mushrooms," Roger Phillips describes the hornbeam's most important mushroom companions:

1. Hazel bolete, also called the hornbeam bolete (Leccinum carpini): This is the absolute marker of a hornbeam forest. It looks a lot like the ordinary birch bolete, but its cut flesh first turns pinkish-purple and then blackens. The cap is often "wrinkled" or lumpy, as if struck with a hammer.

2. Summer bolete (Boletus reticulatus): Hornbeam and oak-hornbeam forests are the ideal place for an early (summer) harvest of this splendid, fragrant species.

3. Milk caps (Lactarius) and brittlegills (Russula): Hornbeam forests are extraordinarily rich in these genera. Especially common is the peppery milk cap (Lactarius piperatus), which is used for salting.

In "Mushrooms Demystified," David Arora warns that the richness of the hornbeam forest hides deadly dangers. Like other broadleaf trees, the hornbeam is an ideal partner for the death cap (Amanita phalloides). It turns up here just as often as edible brittlegills.

Besides mycorrhizal mushrooms, dead hornbeam wood is an excellent substrate for a variety of bracket fungi, oyster mushrooms and velvet shanks.

Questions and answers

How is the hazel bolete different from the birch bolete?

The hazel bolete (Leccinum carpini / Leccinum pseudoscabrum) grows mainly under hornbeams. Its main difference from its birch relative is the flesh. When cut, the flesh quickly turns dark purple and later almost black. On top of that, its cap often has an uneven, bumpy ("hammered") surface.

Can you find slippery jacks under a hornbeam?

No. Slippery jacks (genus Suillus) are mushrooms that form mycorrhiza only with conifers (pine, larch). You won't find them in a pure hornbeam forest.

Do truffles grow under hornbeams?

Yes. European black and white truffles (genus Tuber) readily enter into symbiosis with the hornbeam's root system. In Italy and France, the hornbeam is considered one of the best trees for establishing truffle orchards, alongside oak and hazel.

Which poisonous mushroom is most often found under hornbeams?

The hornbeam's most dangerous companion is the death cap (Amanita phalloides). Because hornbeam forests also have lots of green brittlegills, the risk of making a mistake and cutting a death cap instead of a brittlegill is extremely high. Always check for a volva (a sac) at the base of the stem.

Sources

1.Зерова М.Я. та ін. Визначник грибів України. 1979
2.Roger Phillips. Mushrooms (Roger Phillips)
3.David Arora. Mushrooms Demystified
4.Index Fungorum