How to identify Apricot Waxcap

To correctly identify Apricot Waxcap (Hygrophorus abieticola), 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.

   Apricot to orange, convex to flattened, smooth surface.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Waxy, decurrent, widely spaced, apricot to orange.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Same color as cap, smooth, cylindrical.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Pale orange, thin.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Small to medium-sized, brightly colored.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Coniferous forests, especially under spruce.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth

Growth Form

Solitary to scattered

Spore Print

White

Body color

Apricot to Orange

Odor

Mild, not distinctive

Flesh bruises

No bruising

Height

3-7 cm

Cap Diameter

2-5 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Smooth
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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