Crimson Waxcap

Hygrocybe punicea

Family: Hygrophoraceae

Also called: Crimson Waxcap, Splendid Waxcap

Crimson Waxcap (Hygrocybe punicea)
Photo:gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K(CC BY 2.0)View original source →

Overview

Large bright crimson waxcap of older grasslands. Edible but conservation-sensitive — leave large patches alone.

Edibility
Edible
Rarity
uncommon
Trophic mode
saprotrophic
Typical peak
Sep–Oct

Season

Sep–Nov — typical fruiting months: Aug, Sep, Oct.

Host trees & substrate

  • Decaying pasture wood and forest litter

Where it grows

See live fruiting predictions for Crimson Waxcap on the forecast home page, or browse the full field guide.

Always confirm wild-mushroom identification with multiple sources and a knowledgeable local expert before consuming. Read the foraging safety guide.