Waxcaps
ExploreFungi
Waxcaps
hygrocybe
Waxcaps are colorful mushrooms that look like little umbrellas in the forest! They come in many bright colors and can be found in grassy places after it rains.
Habitat: Waxcaps grow in grassy areas, especially in forests and meadows.
Appearance
The Waxcaps are a group of fungi known for their vibrant, often jewel-toned caps that have a distinctly waxy or slimy feel. Their colours can range from fiery red and brilliant yellow to deep purple, making them stand out in their grassy habitats. Many species have smooth caps and stems, without gills or pores visible on the cap's underside.
KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderAgaricalesFamilyHygrophoraceaeGenusCuphophyllus
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Many Waxcaps thrive only in ancient, unfertilized meadows, making them rare finds.
One tiny Waxcap can release billions of microscopic spores to find new homes!
Some Waxcaps look like tiny, colourful jewels scattered across grassy fields!
Their scientific name, Hygrocybe, means 'watery head' because of their often moist caps.
Special abilities
Ability
Moisture Shield
Waxcaps have a waxy or slimy coating that helps them retain moisture, especially in dry, open grassland environments.
Ability
Color Beacon
Waxcaps possess incredibly bright colours that might attract attention, aiding in the dispersal of their microscopic spores.
Ability
Grassland Guardian
Waxcaps specialize in decomposing nutrients from undisturbed grasslands, playing a crucial role in maintaining healthy soil ecosystems.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 2-12 cm
- Edibility
- inedible
- Cap Diameter
- 0.5-10 cm
- Growth Substrate
- soil
- Season
- Autumn
- Spore Color
- White
Ecological connections
eats
Black Slug
Arion ater
Common slugs often graze on their fleshy caps.
depends on
Mat-grass
Nardus stricta
They grow in unfertilized grasslands where this grass thrives.
depends on
Red Fescue
Festuca rubra
Thrives in the same nutrient-poor, undisturbed grassland habitats.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Colorful MushroomsRainbow CapsWax Cap Mushrooms
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not touch or eat mushrooms unless a grown-up says it's safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Waxcaps?
2-12 cm
Is Waxcaps edible?
inedible
How big is Waxcaps?
0.5-10 cm
Where is Waxcaps usually found?
Waxcaps grow in grassy areas, especially in forests and meadows.
What does Waxcaps grow on?
soil
When is Waxcaps in season?
Autumn
What color are Waxcaps spores?
White
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Park82 sightings7 species
Virginia, US
Potomac Hills Park
You might spot Eastern Blacknose Dace and Common Jewelweed.
View guide →
Park2 sightings1 species
Michigan, US
Craig Lake State Park
You might spot Tree Lungwort, Shining Firmoss, and American Toad.
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Park11 sightings1 species
British Columbia, CA
Gamble Park
You might spot Spurge-Laurel and Common Wall Lizard.
View guide →
