About this fungus
Vermilion Waxcap is a fungus in the Hygrophoraceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A small red to orange-red waxcap with a dry cap covered in fine scales, rather than the smooth, glossy surface seen in many waxcaps.
What to check
Look for a dry, finely scurfy cap, broad fairly distant gills that are yellow to orange-red, a slender similarly coloured stem, and a white spore print. There is no ring or volva. Small red waxcaps overlap strongly, so do not rely on colour alone.
Variation
Fresh caps may be deep red, but often fade through orange to yellowish or ochre tones. The scales can be subtle on young or weathered mushrooms.
Lookalikes
Hygrocybe cantharellus usually has gills that run more clearly down the stem. Hygrocybe coccinea is generally larger and smoother. Other members of the H. miniata group may require microscopic or DNA evidence, and the names used for similar regional mushrooms are still being refined.
Habitat and range
Its habitat varies geographically. It is associated mainly with nutrient-poor grassland, heaths and open turf in Europe, but North American accounts often report it in woodland with broadleaf trees. Its underground ecological relationships are not yet fully resolved.
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
Dan Molter (shroomydan) / CC BY-SA 3.0