Species details

Olive waxcap

Hygrophorus olivaceoalbus

Conditional / expert preparation
Olive waxcap – Hygrophorus olivaceoalbus

Photo: James K. Lindsey · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo source · License

Description

An olive-brown slimy Hygrophorus with a characteristically dark fibrillose-patterned stem.

Identification features

Gills are white and distant, cap centre darker; stem white at apex and dark-fibrillose below.

Identification checklist

Check the entire fruitbody for identification. An olive-brown slimy Hygrophorus with a characteristically dark fibrillose-patterned stem. Gills are white and distant, cap centre darker; stem white at apex and dark-fibrillose below. Typical habitat: Spruce and mixed woodland, often on acidic soils.

How to separate similar species

Compare especially with these similar species: Hygrophorus hypothejus. Check the combination of cap shape and colour, spore-bearing surface, stem, flesh changes and habitat. A single feature or photograph is not enough; if the key characters do not match the description, do not treat the identification as confirmed.

Habitat

Spruce and mixed woodland, often on acidic soils.

Fruiting period

August, September, October, November

Similar species

Extended-description sources