Slimy Waxcap (hygrocybe irrigatus) – Idenitfication

Slimy Waxcap/Summer/Autumn/Inedible

Scientific Name

hygrocybe irrigatus

Family

Hygrophoraceae

Habitat

Amongst grass in pastures, fields and sometimes open woodland.

Description

Slimy is never a good pretense to any mushroom. this is no exception, the slimy waxcap is considered inedible because of its distinct sliminess. it not only makes it inedible but it also makes it quite hard to handle!

Identifying Features for Slimy Waxcap:

Cap:

Covered in slime and grey to grey/brown, can sometimes be quite pale. Starting conical but partly flattening out.

Stem:

hollow and covered in slime not particularly nice. 

Gills:

The gills are widely spaced and notched before becoming slightly decurrent( running down the stem) . There are transverse ‘gills’ running between the main gills.

Smell:

The Slimy Waxcap has no distinctive smell.

Spores:

White

Uses

none as this is unbearably slimy 

In food

classed as inedible due to the slimy texture which apparently makes it unpleasant to eat.

Harvesting

Found in undisturbed field or sparse woodland between July and December.

Known hazards

none known as this is deemed inedible

Potential lookalikes

Other grey waxcaps but they will not be covered in slime.