Species details
Gold-flecked woodwax
Hygrophorus chrysodon
Traditionally edible
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Description
A white woodwax with very characteristic lemon-yellow flecks on the cap margin, gills and upper stem.
Identification features
The cap is about 5–7 cm wide, white and sticky, with fine yellow flecks on the surface and margin. Gills are white and spaced, with edges that may yellow. The white stem has yellow flecks especially just below the cap.
Identification checklist
The most distinctive feature is the lemon-yellow flecking on an otherwise white fruitbody, especially along the cap margin, gill edges and upper stem.
Detailed features
- Cap
- The cap is about 5–7 cm wide, white and sticky, with fine yellow flecks on the surface and margin.
- Hymenophore
- Gills are white and spaced, with edges that may yellow.
- Stem
- The white stem has yellow flecks especially just below the cap.
Size
- Cap diameter
- 5–7 cm
Habitat
Grows in groups in deciduous and coniferous woodland, including upland sites, mainly in autumn; not common.
Fruiting period
September, October, November
Ecology
- Notes
- Grows in groups in deciduous and coniferous woodland, including upland sites, mainly in autumn; not common.
How to separate similar species
Hygrophorus cossus becomes rusty yellow with age and has an unpleasant smell, while Hygrophorus eburneus remains almost entirely white.