Waxy Cap

Vibrant red to orange-capped mushrooms growing in leaf debris and moss. Pilei (caps) are waxy to moist (not slimy), while gills are a pale yellow color. Gills are also notched and exhibit lamellulae. Stipes are long, yellow, and slightly damp; no oiliness is present. Spore print is white.

Hygrocybe species (waxy caps) are primarily ground-dwelling and non-saprotrophic. This means that they do not obtain their nutrients from decaying organic matter. Recent research points to a possible symbiotic relationship with mosses.