Crimson Waxcap

Habitat

This species is found on the ground among short grass on heaths, unimproved grassland, and turf. It also occurs in moss, well-decayed duff under redwoods, and within conifer or mixedwood forests. It typically grows solitarily, in small groups, or trooping.

Photos

Appearance

Cap

2–15 cm wide, starting bell-shaped or convex, later flattening with a broad umbo and irregular, wavy, or lobed margins. The surface is deep blood-red to crimson, fading to orange-red or buff with age, and has a greasy to slightly slimy texture.

Stem

5–20 cm long and 0.5–3 cm thick, stout and often hollow. The surface is dry, yellow to reddish, and marked with coarse longitudinal fibers. The base is notably white and often tapers or points downward.

Gills

Widely spaced and thick with a waxy feel. Color transitions from pale yellow or yellowish-orange to deep orange or reddish-brown. The attachment is typically adnexed, notched, or slightly decurrent.

Flesh

Fairly thick but fragile, white in the center of the stem and base, while yellowish to reddish under the cap surface.

Spore print

White.

Edibility

While described as a worthwhile edible that is more substantial than most waxcaps, it is not universally recommended because some individuals have reported minor gastrointestinal distress and adverse effects. It is very similar to the equally edible splendid waxcap (Hygrocybe splendidissima) but can be distinguished from the scarlet waxcap (Hygrocybe coccinea) by its larger size, fibrous-lined stem, and a stem base that is typically white rather than deep red. The mushroom has a mild or indistinct taste and smell.

Nutrient Source

It is not a saprotroph, but may be biotrophic, potentially forming mycorrhizal relationships with plants or living as an endophyte. It may also obtain nutrients from soil invertebrates.

Common Names

Basque

ezko gorri

Croatian

Velika Vlažnica

Danish

Skarlagen-vokshat

Dutch

Granaatbloemwasplaat

English

Crimson Wax Cap, Crimson Wax-Cap, Crimson Waxcap

Estonian

Hiid-vesinutt

Finnish

punikkivahakas

French

Hygrocybe ponceau

German

Granatroter Saftling, Größter Saftling, Rotkegeliger Saftling

Macedonian

Огнена влажница

Norwegian

Skarlagenvokssopp

Norwegian Bokmål

skarlagenvokssopp

Norwegian Nynorsk

skarlaksvokssopp

Scottish Gaelic

cupa-cèireach dearg, cupannan-cèireach dearg

Slovak

Lúčnica Granátovočervená

Spanish

ezko gorri handi, higróforo rojo, Higroforo rojo

Swedish

scharlakansvaxing, Scharlakansvaxskivling

Welsh

Cap Cŵyr Rhuddgoch

Synonyms

• Agaricus puniceus
• Godfrinia acutopunicea
• Godfrinia punicea
• Hydrophorus puniceus
• Hygrocybe acutopunicea
• Hygrophorus acutopuniceus
• Hygrophorus puniceus
• Pseudohygrocybe punicea