How to identify Snowy Waxcap

To correctly identify Snowy Waxcap (Hygrocybe virginea), 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 typically measures 1-5 cm in diameter. Initially convex, it flattens with age, often developing a central depression or umbilicus. The margin can be somewhat wavy or lobed when mature. The surface is smooth, moist to slightly greasy when wet, and often translucent, revealing the gill lines beneath. Color is pure white to ivory, sometimes becoming slightly yellowish with age or in the center.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are adnate to decurrent, widely spaced, and thick. They are white to cream-colored, often translucent, and have a waxy texture. They can be somewhat forked near the stem.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is 2-6 cm long and 0.3-0.8 cm thick, cylindrical, often tapering slightly towards the base. It is white, smooth, and often translucent, sometimes appearing somewhat fibrous or striate. It can be hollow with age and is relatively fragile.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is thin, white, and fragile. It does not change color when bruised or cut.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is entirely white to creamy-white, sometimes with a yellowish tinge in the center of the cap or on the stem base. It is relatively small and delicate.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Saprotrophic, growing solitarily or in scattered groups in unimproved grasslands, pastures, lawns, churchyards, and mossy areas. It prefers nutrient-poor, undisturbed soils.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, moist to slightly greasy, translucent when wet.

Growth Form

Solitary to scattered.

Spore Print

White.

Body color

Pure white to ivory, sometimes yellowish with age.

Odor

Mild, indistinct.

Flesh bruises

Does not bruise.

Height

2-6 cm

Cap Diameter

1-5 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to decurrent.
• Stem shape: Cylindrical, sometimes tapering slightly towards the base.
• Stem surface: Smooth, often translucent, sometimes fibrous.
• Ring: Absent.
• Stem cross-section: Solid when young, often becoming hollow with age.

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