About this fungus
Almond Woodwax is a fungus in the Hygrophoraceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A grey to grey-brown woodwax of conifer woods, often recognized by its sweet almond or marzipan-like smell.
What to check
Look for a slightly sticky grey cap, thick widely spaced white gills that are attached or begin to run down the stem, a plain whitish stem, and a white spore print. Smell a fresh intact mushroom for the almond-like odour. There is no ring or volva.
Variation
Caps range from pale grey to brownish grey and may become paler as they expand. The odour can be weak in old, cold or weathered mushrooms.
Lookalikes
Several grey Hygrophorus species are extremely similar. Hygrophorus pustulatus usually has dark dots on the stem, while H. occidentalis lacks the almond odour. In western North America, material formerly called H. agathosmus may include H. odoratus and separation can require microscopic study.
Habitat and range
Mycorrhizal with conifers, especially spruce and pine, on woodland soil and needle litter. The hosts and exact species concepts vary among regions.
Food safety
Edible.
Use this profile to learn what to examine and compare, not as proof that a mushroom is safe to eat. Check the whole specimen and every important lookalike before reaching an identification.
Photographs
H. Krisp / CC BY 3.0