Sarah Brown
Waxy mushrooms, also known as wax caps, are a diverse family of mushrooms found across the world. They are characterised by their waxy texture and vibrant colours, ranging from deep crimson to bright yellow. While some waxy mushrooms are found in grasslands, others prefer woodland habitats, often growing near or on rotting conifer wood. These mushrooms are known to appear in both towns and cities, as well as the countryside. They are often found in coniferous and mixed forests, and some species are even known to grow in people's gardens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Ivory waxy cap, white waxy cap, cowboy's handkerchief, golden waxy cap, red-capped, scarlet hood, scarlet waxcap, righteous red waxy cap, Mt. Baker waxy cap, brown almond waxy cap, tawny almond waxy cap |
| Scientific name | Hygrophorus eburneus, Hygrocybe cantharellus, Hygrocybe chlorophana, Hygrocybe flavescens, Hygrocybe appalachianensis, Hygrocybe coccinea, Hygrophorus bakerensis |
| Cap colour | White, lemon, orange, yellow, red, scarlet, reddish-orange, purplish red, brown, tawny, amber |
| Stem colour | White, yellow, scarlet, reddish |
| Gill colour | White, Yellow, reddish, yellowish, creamy white, pinkish-buff |
| Spore colour | Pale yellow |
| Gill texture | Waxy, thick, widely spaced, true gills |
| Cap shape | Convex, flattened, bell-shaped, domed, rounded |
| Cap size | 2-7 cm broad, 2-5 cm across, 4-15 cm diameter |
| Stem size | 4-15 cm long, 0.2-1.5 cm thick, 0.8-2.5 cm thick |
| Habitat | Grasslands, woodlands, unimproved meadows, forests, coniferous woods, thickets, grassy areas, forest floor, conifer wood, gardens |
| Region | Europe, North America, Northern Hemisphere, Israel, North Africa, UK, US, Poland, Portugal |
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What You'll Learn
- Waxy mushrooms are found in Europe, North America, Israel and North Africa
- They grow in towns, cities, countryside, woodland and grassland
- They are found in coniferous woods, thickets and grassy areas
- They are often found on or near rotting conifer wood
- Waxy caps are found in the Pacific Northwest and Europe
Waxy mushrooms are found in Europe, North America, Israel and North Africa
Waxy mushrooms, also known as waxy caps, are a colourful group of fungi. They are characterised by their waxy texture, which can be felt when the mushroom is rubbed between the fingers. They also have gills, which differentiates them from similar-looking mushrooms such as chanterelles.
Waxy mushrooms are found in a variety of regions, including Europe, North America, Israel and North Africa. In Europe, they can be found in grasslands and woodland areas, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, where they appear in winter around redwoods. They are also found in Poland and Portugal. In North America, waxy mushrooms are found in both towns and cities, as well as in the countryside. They are widespread in the United States, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, California, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and the northern Rocky Mountains. They have also been found as far north as Hazelton, British Columbia, and east to Quebec, Canada.
In North America, waxy mushrooms tend to grow in woodland areas, especially with conifers such as larches and ponderosa pines. Some species, like the Mt. Baker waxy cap, are commonly found on or near rotting conifer wood. This mushroom was first discovered on Mount Baker in Washington State and is named after the mountain. Other species, like the scarlet hood, are found in the woodlands of North America during the winter.
In addition to Europe and North America, waxy mushrooms have also been found in Israel and North Africa. They tend to grow in coniferous woods, thickets, and grassy areas, where they prefer moist, mesic, loamy, and calcareous soil.
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They grow in towns, cities, countryside, woodland and grassland
Waxy mushrooms, also known as wax caps, waxcap fungi, or waxy caps, can be found in a variety of locations, including towns, cities, countryside, woodland, and grassland. They are not limited to remote or rural areas but can also be found in urban environments.
In terms of specific regions, the scarlet waxcap (Hygrocybe coccinea), known for its small size and distinct red colour, is found across the Northern Hemisphere. It is commonly seen in the unimproved grasslands of Europe during late summer and autumn and in the woodlands of North America during winter. This species is edible but is not considered to be particularly interesting in terms of taste.
The ivory waxy cap or cowboy's handkerchief (Hygrophorus eburneus) is another species that is widespread in Europe and North America, with additional sightings in Northern Africa. This mushroom prefers to grow on the ground in moist, mesic, loamy, and calcareous soil, typically in coniferous woods, thickets, and grassy areas.
The Mt. Baker waxy cap, brown almond waxy cap, or tawny almond waxy cap (Hygrophorus bakerensis) is native to the United States, particularly the Pacific Northwest and the northern Rocky Mountains. It is often found near or on rotting conifer wood, especially in coniferous forests at elevations of 1,000 to 4,000 feet. This species is also edible but is not highly regarded in terms of taste and quality.
Waxy mushrooms, in general, can be found in diverse habitats, and their specific locations can vary depending on the species. They are a part of the natural ecosystem and can be foraged responsibly, although it is important to be mindful of protected species and to leave some for the benefit of the environment.
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They are found in coniferous woods, thickets and grassy areas
Waxy mushrooms, also known as waxy caps, are a diverse group of mushrooms that can be found in various habitats, including coniferous woods, thickets, and grassy areas.
One notable species of waxy mushroom is the Hygrophorus eburneus, commonly known as the ivory waxy cap or the cowboy's handkerchief. This species is characterised by its medium-sized, pure white fruit bodies, which become slimy when wet. They are commonly found in coniferous woods, thickets, and grassy areas, with a preference for moist, mesic, loamy, and calcareous soil. This species is widespread in Europe and North America and has also been found in northern Africa.
Another species of waxy mushroom is the Hygrocybe coccinea, known as the scarlet hood, scarlet waxcap, or righteous red waxy cap. This small, red mushroom is found across the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in unimproved grasslands of Europe during late summer and autumn, and in woodlands of North America in winter.
In addition to these, there are numerous other waxy cap mushrooms, such as the golden chanterelle, with its bright yellow cap, and the red-capped golden waxcap, found in the Appalachian region of the United States. The Mount Baker waxy cap (Hygrophorus bakerensis) is another species native to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, often found near rotting conifer wood.
These mushrooms are known for their distinctive waxy texture and varied colours, ranging from pure white to bright yellow and deep reds. They are a fascinating group of fungi that can be found in a diverse range of habitats, particularly in coniferous woods, thickets, and grassy areas.
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They are often found on or near rotting conifer wood
Waxy cap mushrooms, also known as waxcaps, are a diverse family of mushrooms. They are often found on or near rotting conifer wood. One such species is the Hygrophorus bakerensis, commonly known as the Mt. Baker waxy cap, which was first discovered on Mount Baker, a volcano in Washington State, USA. This species is characterised by its medium to large, slender-statured fruit bodies with an almond-like fragrance and brown caps with cream to white edges. They are typically found in coniferous forests in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and the northern Rocky Mountains, as well as in parts of Canada.
Another species of waxy cap mushroom is the Hygrophorus eburneus, commonly known as the ivory waxy cap or the cowboy's handkerchief. This species is widespread in Europe and North America and has also been found in northern Africa. The fruit bodies of H. eburneus are medium-sized and pure white, sometimes having a layer of slime when wet. They are commonly found on the ground in coniferous woods, thickets, and grassy areas.
In addition to these, there are various other waxy cap mushrooms that are found near conifers. The scarlet waxy cap, for example, is widespread in North America and often grows with conifers such as larches and ponderosa pines. It has a brilliant orange-red, sticky cap with yellowish gills and a white stem that matures to an orange hue. This species is also found in the Pacific Northwest and Europe, typically appearing in winter near redwoods.
The golden waxy cap (Hygrocybe chlorophana/Hygrocybe flavescens group) is another example. This species is known from the Appalachian region of the United States, from Ohio south to South Carolina. It has a distinctive deep purplish-red to reddish-orange cap that fades with age, and thick, widely spaced gills that are the same colour as the cap or slightly paler.
Waxy cap mushrooms, as a group, are known to favour certain habitats. They are often found in grasslands and woodlands, especially in unimproved meadows and forests. These mushrooms can be quite colourful, ranging from scarlet red to lemon yellow, and they play an important ecological role in their ecosystems.
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Waxy caps are found in the Pacific Northwest and Europe
Waxy caps are a diverse family of mushrooms that are found in various locations around the world, particularly in the Pacific Northwest and Europe. In this region, they are known to appear in both urban and rural environments, including towns, cities, and the countryside.
In the Pacific Northwest, waxy caps are commonly found in coniferous forests, particularly among larches and ponderosa pines. They are also known to grow near rotting conifer wood and are often associated with Douglas-fir trees. They are typically found at elevations of 1,000 to 4,000 feet throughout the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, including states such as California, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. Some species, like the Mt. Baker waxy cap (Hygrophorus bakerensis), are named after the regions where they were first discovered, such as Mount Baker in Washington State.
In Europe, waxy caps are also widely distributed and can be found in both grasslands and woodlands. They are a familiar sight in the unimproved grasslands of Europe during late summer and autumn. One notable species found in Europe is the scarlet hood (Hygrocybe coccinea), which has a small, bell-shaped, scarlet-coloured cap with yellow-red gills.
While less common, waxy caps have also been found in other parts of the world, including North America, North Africa, and Israel. The ivory waxy cap (Hygrophorus eburneus), for example, is widespread in Europe and North America and has also been collected in northern Africa. This species is characterised by its pure white, medium-sized fruit bodies and waxy gills.
Overall, waxy caps are a diverse group of mushrooms with a wide geographical distribution, particularly in the Pacific Northwest and Europe, where they can be found in a variety of habitats and elevations.
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Frequently asked questions
Waxy mushrooms, also known as waxcaps, are found in Europe, North America, and Northern Africa. In Europe, they are characteristic of old, unimproved grasslands, often called waxcap grasslands, which are a declining habitat. In other parts of the world, they are more commonly found in woodlands.
In Europe, waxy mushrooms are found in unimproved grasslands, particularly in the summer and autumn. They are also found in woodlands, specifically coniferous woods, thickets, and grassy areas. Some species, like the scarlet hood, are more commonly found in woodlands in the US.
In North America, waxy mushrooms are found in woodlands, specifically with conifers like larches and ponderosa pines. They are also found in towns and cities, as well as the countryside. Some species, like the crimson waxcap, are found in the Appalachian region, from Ohio to South Carolina.
