Species details
Hygrophorus penarius
Hygrophorus penarius
Traditionally edible
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Description
A large white to ivory Hygrophorus with a dry firm cap and widely spaced thick gills.
Identification features
The cap is fleshy with a margin that stays inrolled for a long time and may have a pale ochre centre. The stem is stout, whitish and finely floccose; pale gills are slightly decurrent.
Identification checklist
The key combination is a large firm white to ivory cap, relatively dry surface, widely spaced thick gills and a stout pale stem. Unlike many Hygrophorus species, it is not strongly slimy.
How to separate similar species
Slimy and other white Hygrophorus species can look similar but have stronger slime layers or different tree associations. With white-gilled mushrooms always check for a ring, volva and spore print as well.
Habitat
Open deciduous woodland, especially with oak and other hardwoods on calcareous soils; in autumn.
Fruiting period
September, October, November
Similar species
- Hygrophorus gliocyclus
- Ivory waxcap (Hygrophorus eburneus)