The Pink Waxcap is one of the rarest and most beautiful fungi in the UK. Quite easy to ID but they should be photographed and left untouched.

Scientific Name

Porpolomopsis calyptriformis

Common Names

Pink Waxcap, Ballerina Waxcap

Family

Hygrophoraceae

Habitat

They are found in unimproved fields and pasture, verges and church yards.

Description 

One of the rarest and most beautiful fungi in the UK. It was only removed from the Red Endangered List in 2006. Quite easy to ID but they should be photographed and left untouched.

Identifying Features of the Pink Waxcaps:

Cap:

They are very convex when young they flatten out with age and tend to split at the edge. They tend to only be slimy when young and wet and they can be up to 6cm across. The flesh white with a slight pink tinge. They are normally found between September and December.

Stem

White with a pink tinge, smooth, hollow and up to 5cm long.

Gills

Pink when young becoming paler with age. They are adnate and fairly widely spaced.

Smell:

No strong smell.

Spores:

White

Uses

In food

They are edible but due to habitat loss and changes in land use, Waxcaps are getting rarer and rarer. I personally don’t eat them for this reason and the fact that they are pretty insubstantial.

Known hazards

None known.

Potential lookalikes

They are the only pink Waxcap with a pointed cap.

Extra Notes from the Foragers

For a long time it was thought that Waxcaps were saprotrophic feeding on the dead root systems of grass. Modern research suggests that they have a symbiotic relationship with mosses.

Reference:

https://www.aber.ac.uk/waxcap/index.shtml

https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/porpolomopsis-calyptriformis.php

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porpolomopsis_calyptriformis

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Step into the captivating world of the Blackening Waxcap, scientifically known as Hygrocybe conica, as we explore the intriguing qualities of this enigmatic mushroom.

In this blog post, we embark on a journey to uncover the distinctive features and fascinating transformations that make the Blackening Waxcap a unique and sought-after find for mushroom enthusiasts. From its vibrant and eye-catching colors to its intriguing blackening process, Hygrocybe conica offers a captivating display of nature’s wonders. Join us as we dive into the identification, ecology, and enchanting traits of this mushroom, unravelling the mysteries behind its color-changing phenomenon. Let us embrace the colorful enigma of the Blackening Waxcap, where nature’s artistic palette meets our curiosities, as we gain a deeper appreciation for the wonders that lie beneath the forest canopy.

Scientific Name

Hygrocybe conica

Common Names

Blackening Waxcap, Black Wavy cap, Witches Hat

Family

Hygrophoraceae

Habitat

They are found in unimproved fields and pasture, verges and sand dunes.

Description

One of the most common Waxcaps in the UK, they are very variable in colour and shape. They appear very quickly after a heavy rain sometimes in large groups.

Identifying Features:

Cap:

They are very variable, the caps can be yellow, orange or red. The shape can also vary a lot most are convex or bell shaped but they can also be flat or upturned. They all tend to have a raised central umbo and will blacken with age or when damaged. Slimy when wet and up to 7cm across

Stem

The stems are off white to yellow but with a reddish tinge towards the caps. Like the cap the stem will blacken with age or when damaged. Fairly stout, hollow and up to 10cm long.

Gills

Yellow when young again blackening with age. The gills can be adnexed or almost free, are fairly widely spaced and have lateral ribs joining the gills.

Smell:

No strong smell.

Spores:

White

Uses

In food

They are edible but due to habitat loss and changes in land use, Waxcaps are getting rarer and rarer. I personally don’t eat them for this reason and the fact that they are pretty insubstantial and not really that appealing once black. You’re best just taking some photos.

Known hazards

Most guides list it as edible but there are reports of people suffering gastric upset after eating this mushroom.

Potential lookalikes

They could be confused with the Scarlet Waxcap (Hygrocybe coccinea), but this is typically smaller, has reddish flesh and does not turn black.

The Dune Waxcap (Hygrocybe conicoides) looks similar and does turn black but rarely all over and it turns black a lot slower. As the name suggests it’s only found on sand dunes.

Extra Notes from the Foragers

For a long time it was thought that Waxcaps were saprotrophic feeding on the dead root systems of grass. Modern research suggests that they have a symbiotic relationship with mosses.

The name Hygrocybe means ‘watery head’.

Reference:

https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/hygrocybe-conica.php

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygrocybe_conica

https://www.aber.ac.uk/waxcap/index.shtml

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Scientific Name

Hygrocybe coccinea

Common Names

Scarlet Waxcap, Scarlet hood, Righteous red waxy cap.

Family

Hygrophoraceae

Habitat

They are found in woodland clearings and mown meadows and fields, where fertilisers and herbicides aren’t used.

Description 

One of the smaller red Waxcap, they are fairly common, usually appearing in quite large groups.

Identifying Features:

Cap:

They are convex when young becoming bell shaped and then almost flat with age. They are deep red when young but the colour fades from the edge to orange or yellow. Slimy when young and wet and up to 5cm across. The flesh is similar in colour to the outside. They are normally found between September and December.

Stem

Roughly the same colour as the cap, they tend to get ore yellow towards the base. Hollow and up to 5cm long.

Gills

Red when young with yellow edges, the red fades with ages. The gills can be adnexed or almost free, fairly crowded compared to other Waxcaps.

Smell:

No strong smell.

Spores:

White

Uses

In food

They are edible but due to habitat loss and changes in land use, Waxcaps are getting rarer and rarer. I personally don’t eat them for this reason and the fact that they are pretty insubstantial.

Known hazards

None known.

Potential lookalikes

They could be confused with the Crimson Waxcap (Hygrocybe punicea), but this is larger less common and has paler flesh.

The Blackening Waxcap (Hygrocybe nigrescens) could also be confused but as the name suggests this blackens when damaged.

Extra Notes from the Foragers

For a long time it was thought that Waxcaps were saprotrophic feeding on the dead root systems of grass. Modern research suggests that they have a symbiotic relationship with mosses.

The name Hygrocybe means ‘watery head’.

Reference:

https://www.aber.ac.uk/waxcap/index.shtml

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygrocybe_coccinea

https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/hygrocybe-coccinea.php

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Step into a realm of culinary delight as we celebrate the exquisite flavors of the Golden Waxcap (Hygrocybe chlorophana).

Join us on a journey where gastronomy meets elegance. With its radiant golden caps and delicate stature, the Golden Waxcap stands as a treasure among edible mushrooms. L

earn to identify its distinct features, discover its preferred habitats, and delve into the culinary wonders it offers. From its tender texture to its subtle, earthy taste, this mushroom has the power to elevate your culinary creations to new levels of delight.

Whether you are an experienced forager or an adventurous home cook, let the Golden Waxcap inspire your culinary endeavors and awaken your taste buds to its marvelous flavors. Embrace the abundance of nature’s bounty as we celebrate the enchanting delights that lie within the Golden Waxcap. Get ready to embark on a flavor-filled journey as we explore the captivating culinary possibilities offered by this remarkable mushroom.

Scientific Name

Hygrocybe chlorophana

Family

Hygrophoraceae

Habitat

Open grassland and pasturelands, it actually prefers areas that are heavily trodden or mowed often.

Description

These golden waxcaps, when found, are often hanging out in small groups.

Identifying Features of the Golden Waxcap Mushroom:

Cap:

A rounded or domed cap, 3-4cm, which is golden in colour, yellow to orange and only sometimes has a slight red colour towards the centre of the cap. The flesh is also golden throughout.

Stem:

A golden slightly slimy stem.

Gills:

yellow with light yellow, adnate and are widely spaced gills. There are present transverse ‘gills’ running between the main gills. The gills are not slimy.

Smell:

Mild Mushroom Smell

Spores:

White in colour

In food

This mushroom is edible and isn’t specifically incredible as far as flavour goes and it can be confused for some other yellow waxcaps, all in all people don’t often eat this one.

Potential lookalikes

Almost any of the other yellow, orange or golden colour waxcaps could potentially be confused with this one. None of the waxcaps are known to be deadly toxic, however some are avoided due to their waxy and slimy texture.

Meadow Waxcaps could be confused.

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Welcome to an exploration of nature’s splendor as we admire the captivating beauty of the Jubilee Waxcap (Hygrocybe/Gliophorus reginae).

Join us on a journey where admiration meets caution. With its striking orange-red cap and elegant stature, the Jubilee Waxcap stands as a regal presence among mushrooms. However, it is important to note that this species is classified as inedible.

Learn to identify its unique features, discover its preferred habitats, and delve into its ecological role. While not suitable for consumption, the Jubilee Waxcap serves as a testament to the diversity and magnificence of the natural world. Embrace the intricate wonders of nature as we appreciate the aesthetic allure of the Jubilee Waxcap, respecting its place within the ecosystem. Let us marvel at its splendor and acknowledge the importance of accurate identification and responsible foraging practices. Stay captivated by the royal beauty of the Jubilee Waxcap while prioritizing your well-being and the conservation of our natural treasures.

Scientific Name

Hygrocybe / Gliophorus reginae

Family

Hygrophoraceae

Habitat

On untended grasslands, like fields and pastures or graveyards also known to occur in damp open woods.

Description

This striking lilac to pink slimy waxcap is very rare and shouldn’t be picked but photographed in situ. It like many other waxcaps prefers open fields to the woodland and prefers land that has not been treated or regularly mowed. There is nothing you could mix this waxcap up with as its colours make it incredibly recognisable.

Identifying Features for Jubilee Waxcap:

Cap:

Pink a violet/purple the cap is very slimy and convex but will begin to flatten with age retaining an umbo or boss in the centre.

Stem:

The pale pink stem is slimy.

Gills:

Pink with pale greys and browns and are widely spaced. There are present transverse ‘gills’ running between the main gills. The gills are not slimy.

Smell:

Indistinct mushroom smell

Spores:

White spores

Uses

This mushroom is deemed inedible and has no medicinal benefits

In food

This is an inedible mushroom and is also very slimy which makes them not only hard to pick but difficult to cook and make palatable.

Harvesting

This is found from September to December. however, this is inedible and is also quite rare due to habitat loss. It is best to leave this mushroom in situ.

Known hazards

This mushroom is deemed inedible. it is also incredibly slimy!

Potential lookalikes

There is really nothing that looks like this mushroom it is very distinctive. So you shouldn’t mix this up with any other mushroom.

Check other Waxcaps here

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The Parrot Waxcap is an amazing mushroom with great variation in colour! greens, blues and yellows can all be found on this particular mushroom!

Scientific Name

Hygrocybe / Gliophorus psittacinus

Family

Hygrophoraceae

Habitat

In unimproved grassland like fields and pastures or graveyards also known to occur in damp open woods.

Description

An amazing mushroom with great variation in colour! greens, blues and yellows can all be found on this particular mushroom! It is one of the slimy waxcaps and its quite uncommon and should be left alone if possible

Identifying Features of the Parrot Waxcap:

Cap:

The cap has green, yellow, blue, grey and brown colours although when young it will usually be a deep bottle green. The cap is slimy and flattens with age retaining an umbo or boss in the centre of the cap.

Stem:

Somewhere between green and yellow, usually more dark green/blue towards the top and very slimy.

Gills:

Mainly off white to yellow with some green colouring, thick and widely spaced. there are often what are called transverse gills which are small gills or veins that run across the underside of the veins.

Smell:

A gentle mushroomy smell there is no other distinctive smell with this mushroom.

Spores:

White

Uses

this is an inedible mushroom and has no medicinal benefits.

In food

this is an inedible mushroom and has no medicinal benefits.

Harvesting

this is found from September to December. however this is inedible and is also quite rare due to habitat loss. It is best to leave this mushroom in situ.

Known hazards

This is an inedible mushroom and has no medicinal benefits.

Potential lookalikes

there is really nothing that looks like this mushroom it is very distinctive. So you shouldn’t mix this up with any other mushroom.

Check out other Waxcaps on our introduction to Waxcaps space

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Welcome to a world of vibrant culinary delights as we celebrate the flavorsome treasures of the Heath Waxcap (Hygrocybe/Gliophorus laetus).

Join us on a journey where gastronomy meets vibrancy. With its stunning array of colors and delicate cap, the Heath Waxcap stands as a captivating edible gem.

Learn to identify its unique features, discover its preferred habitats, and delve into the culinary wonders it offers. From its velvety texture to its delightful, fruity taste, this mushroom has the power to elevate your culinary creations to extraordinary heights.

Whether you are an experienced forager or an enthusiastic home cook, let the Heath Waxcap inspire your culinary adventures and awaken your taste buds to its marvelous flavors. Embrace the abundance of nature’s bounty as we celebrate the enchanting delights that lie within the Heath Waxcap. Get ready to embark on a flavor-filled journey as we explore the captivating culinary possibilities offered by this remarkable mushroom.

Scientific Name

Hygrocybe / Gliophorus laetus

Family

Hygrophoraceae

Habitat

This mushroom is found mainly on heaths with short grass and moss present.

Description

A small and slimy waxcap growing mainly in open heathland. The pale orange-brown colour of this waxcap is the most common variation found in the UK however there is a paler yellow heath waxcap that is less common to find but is found in the same sort of habitat as the common variety.

Identifying Features of the Heath Waxcap:

Cap:

The cap is pale orange to brown. Starts of convex but soon flattens out. The cap develops clear lines on the top that run in line with the gills.

Stem:

The stem is pale orange and goes pinky-red towards the top as the mushroom ages.

Gills:

Pale grey/off white to start with then turning salmon pink. Decurrent and widely spaced with tiny ‘gills’ or veins

Smell:

this will have a mushroomy smell and can have a burnt rubber smell present as well.

Spores:

White spores.

Uses

This Mushroom is edible but can be a little slimy and therefore not what you may want to eat.

In food

this mushroom is edible however the slime on the outside of the mushroom can make it unpalatable to some and quite difficult to harvest. slimy mushrooms can often make whatever food they are cooked in slimy as well.

Harvesting

Found on Heathland from August through to November.

Known hazards

This mushroom is quite slimy and therefore can be difficult to harvest and unpleasant to eat. Also Waxcaps are becoming rarer in the UK due to habitat loss so it is often best to leave them to grow in peace.

Potential lookalikes

The Meadow Waxcap can look similar but is a bigger, more robust mushroom and generally drier feeling than the Heath Waxcap

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Scientific Name

Hygbrocybe virgineus

Family

Hygrophoraceae

Habitat

In short grass in fields, meadows or commons.

Description

A bright white common Waxcap it prefers undisturbed land although 

Identifying Features for Snowy Waxcap:

Cap:

White to ivory white. Starting convex becoming depressed in the middle. As the cap matures the colour generally goes to grey

Stem:

White and thin tapering towards the base 

Gills:

The gills are white, widely spaced and decurrent (running down the stem) with veins or very small gills between the main ones.

Smell:

Indistinct mushroomy smell

Spores:

White Spores

Uses

This is a tasty edible waxcap that can be used in cooking. It has no know medicinal uses.

In food

Good mushroomy taste however the flesh is quite thin except for the very peak of the cap.

Harvesting

Found July through to November in open pasture or mature grasslands

Known hazards

Extreme care should be taken with all white mushrooms as some of the most deadly poisonous mushrooms are white with white gills. You must ensure that you are 100 percent that what you have in front of you is definitely a Snowy Waxcap.

Potential lookalikes

The Fools funnel ( Clitocybe rivulosa/dealbata) can look very similar to the Snowy Waxcap. however, looking at the gills of the Fools Funnel you will see they are quite crowded and not toothed like the Snowy Waxcap. The Cedar Waxcap may also be a close lookalike to the Snowy Waxcap however the colour is not as brilliantly white as the Snowy and is more cream grey.

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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. 

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