Species details
Discolouring woodwax
Hygrophorus discoxanthus
Traditionally edible
Photo: Strobilomyces · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A pale woodwax from the white Hygrophorus group that yellows to browns with age and drying; the Slovenian source lists it as edible.
Identification features
The cap is whitish to cream and may become yellow-brown with age. Gills are pale, thick and spaced, typical of woodwaxes. The stem is pale and lacks a prominent ring.
Identification checklist
Check the typical woodwax build with thick spaced gills and the yellowing or browning of older parts. Compare several white Hygrophorus species.
Detailed features
- Cap
- The cap is whitish to cream and may become yellow-brown with age.
- Hymenophore
- Gills are pale, thick and spaced, typical of woodwaxes.
- Stem
- The stem is pale and lacks a prominent ring.
Habitat
Associated mainly with deciduous woodland, especially beech woods, and fruits in autumn.
Fruiting period
September, October, November
Ecology
- Notes
- Associated mainly with deciduous woodland, especially beech woods, and fruits in autumn.
How to separate similar species
Hygrophorus eburneus remains cleaner white, while H. cossus has a stronger unpleasant odour. White woodwaxes can be difficult to identify.