How to identify Blackening Waxcap

To correctly identify Blackening Waxcap (Hygrocybe conica), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   The cap is conical or bell-shaped, often with a pointed apex. It is typically orange to red when young, gradually darkening to black with age or bruising. The surface is smooth and dry, and it can be somewhat fibrous.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are adnate to adnexed (narrowly attached to the stem), widely spaced, and waxy in texture. They are typically yellow to orange, darkening with age.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is cylindrical, slender, and often brittle. It is typically the same color as the cap or slightly lighter, and it also blackens with age or handling. The surface is smooth to slightly fibrous.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is thin and fragile, with a color similar to the cap. It blackens when bruised or cut.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body of Hygrocybe conica is typically small to medium-sized. The entire mushroom tends to blacken with age or upon handling.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Hygrocybe conica is found in grasslands, meadows, and woodlands. It is often associated with disturbed soil and can be found in both coniferous and deciduous forests. It is widely distributed and can be found in many regions.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, dry

Growth Form

Solitary or scattered

Spore Print

White

Body color

Orange, red, blackening

Odor

Mild

Flesh bruises

Blackening

Height

3-8 cm

Cap Diameter

2-5 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to adnexed
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Smooth to fibrous
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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