Scarlet Waxcap

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Scarlet Waxcap is a colorful, medium-sized gill mushroom. It is widespread and common in western Europe, Scandinavia, and eastern North America. It is often confused with similar, and similarly named, Scarlet Waxy Cap. In summer and fall it is found on the ground in woodlands alone, scattered, or in groups.

The cap can be ⅝″ to 2⅜″ in diameter, though it is usually no more than 1¼″ in diameter. It is convex and deep red, blood red, or bright red at first. As it matures it fades somewhat or develops orangish-red streaks or splotches, and becomes bell-shaped then almost flat, sometimes with a slightly raised bump in the middle (umbonate).

The stalk is slender, hollow, 1¼″ to 2¾″ long, and ⅛″ to 5 ⁄16″ thick. It is mostly red, the same color as the cap, fading to reddish orange to yellow at the base. It sometimes appears white at the base due to a covering of thread-like cells (mycelium). It is not covered with hair-like fibers (fibrillose).

The gills are thick, soft, and waxy. They are broadly attached to the stalk. They may be reddish, orange, or red with yellow edges.

The flesh is thin, reddish to orange, and waxy. It is edible but should be avoided due to its similarity to the poisonous Crimson Waxcap.

The sport print is white.

Crimson Waxcap (Hygrocybe punicea) is much more common. The cap is larger, 1″ to 4¾″ or more in diameter. It becomes shiny and slippery or slimy when wet. The stalk is thicker, 3 ⁄16″ to ¾″ in diameter, usually yellow, sometimes red fading to yellow or orange, and often fibrillose. It is usually whitish at the base.

Witch’s Hat (Hygrocybe conica) cap is more pointed. As it ages it retains the pointed umbo. It fades to black as it ages or when handled. The stalk is often yellow.

Woodlands

Summer and fall

Sources

4, 24, 26, 29, 30, 77.

Widespread and common in western Europe, Scandinavia, and eastern North America