Scarlet Waxcap

Hygrocybe coccinea

The Scarlet Waxcap is a vibrant red mushroom that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale! It thrives in grassy places and adds a splash of color to the ground.

Habitat: Grassy fields and meadows

Appearance

The Scarlet Waxcap has a stunning bright red to orange-red cap, often conical or bell-shaped, which can be slimy or waxy when wet. Its gills are the same vibrant color as the cap, descending slightly down its stem. This vivid hue makes it stand out like a tiny jewel in green grasslands.

KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderAgaricalesFamilyHygrophoraceaeGenusHygrocybe

Scarlet Waxcap

Interesting facts

Despite their name, Scarlet Waxcaps don't produce real wax, just a glossy, waxy-feeling cap!

Finding an entire patch of these vibrant fungi feels like discovering a secret treasure!

Its super bright red color makes it look like a tiny fiery jewel on the grass!

These mushrooms often grow in 'fairy rings,' creating a magical circle on the ground!

Special abilities

Scarlet Waxcap has a dazzling red color that helps it stand out against the green grass, signaling its presence in the ecosystem.

Scarlet Waxcap can release countless tiny white spores from its gills, which helps them spread to new places.

Scarlet Waxcap helps break down organic matter in the soil, which helps recycle important nutrients for plants.

Measurements & details

Height: 3-7 cm
Edibility: inedible
Cap Diameter: 2-6 cm
Growth Substrate: soil
Season: Fall
Spore Color: White

Ecological connections

eaten by

Black slug

Arion ater

Slugs are known to feed on many types of fungi, including waxcaps.

depends on

Red Fescue

Festuca rubra

It thrives in grasslands containing such grasses, utilizing their decaying matter.

symbiotic with

Common Earthworm

Lumbricus terrestris

Both contribute to healthy soil structure and nutrient cycling in grassland habitats.

Traits

Spore Producing

Discover how some plants and fungi create tiny little "seeds" called spores to help them grow new life! These tiny particles drift in the air, spreading new generations far and wide.

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.