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A small, bright red to orange-red agaric mushroom characterized by its dry, squamulose (scaly) cap surface, which distinguishes it from the typically viscid species of the Hygrocybe genus.
How to Identify
- Cap
- 1-3 cm diameter, convex to flattened, often with a central depression; color ranges from vermilion to orange; surface is characteristically finely scaly or dry-fibrillose.
- Gills
- Adnate to decurrent, distant, thick, yellowish-orange to reddish.
- Stem
- Cylindrical, smooth, dry, and colored similarly to or paler than the cap, 2-5 cm long.
- Flesh
- Thin, fragile, and the same color as the cap surface.
- Fruiting body
- Small agaric with a fragile, non-deliquescent stature.
- Habitat
- Found in nutrient-poor grasslands, heathlands, and mossy areas; often associated with undisturbed, old-growth soil habitats.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Dry and finely squamulose (scaly)
- Growth Form: Solitary to gregarious
- Spore Print: White
- Body color: Vermilion to orange
- Odor: None
- Flesh bruises: Does not change color
- Height: 2-5 cm
- Cap Diameter: 1-3 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Thought to be saprotrophic or potentially associated with mosses
Safe
SafeGenerally considered edible but not highly regarded due to its small size and thin flesh. Due to the high risk of misidentification with potentially toxic or unpalatable small red mushrooms, mycologists advise caution.
Quick Check
- Odor: Indistinct or mild.
- Fruiting: Solitary to gregarious, often found among moss.
- Substrate: Soil in grassy, mossy, or heathland environments.
Where to Find
Northern Hemisphere
Widely distributed across Europe and North America in semi-natural grasslands.
Finding Tips
Ecological Indicator
Look in 'waxcap grasslands' which are typically ancient, unimproved pastures with high moss diversity.
Timing
Best observed in late summer through late autumn during humid periods.
Similar Species
Scarlet Waxcap
Hygrocybe coccinea
Also known as: Hygrophorus coccineus
Date Waxcap
Hygrocybe spadicea
Also known as: Hygrocybe calyptriformis
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Hygrophoraceae
- Genus
- Hygrocybe
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 4 degrees Celsius
- Freezing duration: Not recommended due to delicate texture.
- Min Temperature: 1 degree Celsius
- Refrigeration: 24 to 48 hours in a paper bag.
How to Clean
Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove moss or soil debris. Do not soak, as the flesh is fragile and absorbs water quickly.
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