Golden Waxcap

Habitat

This species is found on soil among moss and short grass in unimproved grasslands, cemeteries, and occasionally in woodland. It typically grows individually or in small groups.

Photos

Appearance

Cap

Measuring 3 to 7 cm across; initially convex, maturing to a flattened shape often with a broad central bump; the surface is notably sticky or slimy with fine lines visible near the edges.

Stem

Standing 5 to 7 cm tall; relatively slender and equal in width, though often flattened or grooved; the surface is slimy and smooth, topped with a pale, slightly powdery or scaly apex.

Gills

Widely spaced and broad; changing from an initial white to a persistent lemon yellow; attached to the stem either broadly or narrowly.

Flesh

Yellow throughout, sometimes appearing slightly darker just beneath the cap surface.

Spore print

White.

Edibility

This species has a mild taste but is frequently listed as being of unknown edibility or simply not edible in various regions. It can be easily confused with other yellow waxcaps, and while none of those lookalikes are known to be seriously poisonous, they may lack clear safety records or could cause adverse reactions in some individuals.

Nutrient Source

This species is believed to be biotrophic, meaning it obtains nutrients from living organisms. While not strictly parasitic, it forms a relationship with plants, possibly mosses, rather than decomposing dead organic matter.

Common Names

Catalan

Pixacunill

Danish

Gul vokshat

Dutch

incl. Oranje wasplaat, Gele wasplaat

English

Golden Waxcap

Finnish

keltavahakas

German

Stumpfer Saftling

Norwegian

kantsopp, guulsopp

Norwegian Bokmål

gul vokssopp

Norwegian Nynorsk

gul vokssopp

Spanish

Higroforo amarillo

Swedish

gul vaxskivling, gulvaxing

Welsh

Cap Cŵyr Euraidd

Synonyms

• Agaricus chlorophanus
• Godfrinia chlorophana
• Hydrocybe chlorophana
• Hygrocybe euroflavescens
• Hygrophorus chlorophanus
• Hygrophorus euroflavescens
• Hygrophorus pertractatus