Truffle hornbeam

Truffle production from a hornbeam plant

In truffle farming, hornbeam has several advantages. In particular, it is considered an intermediate species between hazel and pubescent oak. Indeed, it is later than the hazel tree, but earlier than the white oak. The truffle hornbeam also requires a limestone soil.

Aptitudes of mycorrhizal hornbeam to produce truffles

From its intermediate behavior between oak and hazel, hornbeam proves to be an excellent truffle species. Its root pivot ensures its robustness while its winter vegetative rest allows it to store the reserves necessary for its development from the following spring. Like the oak, it does not have suckers and offers a perennial production. Finally, one should note its hairy root system (similar to that of the hazel tree).

If it is sometimes planted in hedges (it is then called hornbeam), the hornbeam finds all its interest in truffle growing as soon as it benefits from a very calcareous soil (PH > 7.5). Planted alone (250 to 400 plants per hectare), it offers an intermediate yield between those of hazelnut and downy oak. In addition, hornbeam provides early production (sometimes as early as its third year).

Common hornbeam or hop hornbeam: Which to choose in truffle farming?

The choice will depend on the characteristics of your soil and terrain. Parameters to consider include:
- exposure: east hornbeam requires better exposure than common hornbeam
- altitude and climate: down to -25°C for common hornbeam, -15°C max for east hornbeam
- soil PH: common hornbeam requires calcareous soil (PH above 7.5)
- soil type: clay-limestone and cool for common hornbeam, dry and draining limestone for east hornbeam

What truffles to grow from a hornbeam plant

Thanks to a process of controlled mycorhization developed in the laboratories of our nursery, we offer you high quality truffle hornbeam plants (controlled and certified mycorhization by INRA, plants raised in anti-chignon cups). These truffle plants are specifically dedicated to the cultivation of the Burgundy truffle (Tuber uncinatum) which likes to live in osmosis with the hornbeam. The production of black Périgord truffles (Tuber melanosporum) is also possible as well as summer truffles (Tuber aestivum). Finally, please note that we exclusively offer plants for the cultivation of the famous white truffle (Tuber magnatum).