Species details
Meadow waxcap
Cuphophyllus pratensis
Conditional / expert preparation
Photo: Strobilomyces · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo source · License
Description
An orange-ochre to brownish waxcap with thick, widely spaced gills running down the stem.
Identification features
Cap 2–6 cm, bell-shaped at first, later flattened, orange-ochre to fox-brown. Gills are pale orange, thick, widely spaced and vein-connected, gradually decurrent. Stem is similarly coloured to the cap.
Identification checklist
Check the orange-ochre cap and especially the thick, widely spaced gills that are vein-connected and run down the stem.
How to separate similar species
Cuphophyllus virgineus is usually white to cream. Other waxcaps may be similar; grassland habitat and gill structure are important.
Habitat
Grows on woodland meadows and pastures among grass and moss, usually in groups in autumn.
Fruiting period
September, October
Similar species
- Snowy waxcap (Cuphophyllus virgineus)
- Cuphophyllus lacmus
- Hygrocybe species