coccinea (Scarlet Waxy Cap, Scarlet Hood) — Species | WeMush Taxonomy

coccinea

Scarlet Waxy Cap, Scarlet Hood

Hygrocybe coccinea, commonly known as the Scarlet Waxcap, is a vibrant and defining species of the family Hygrophoraceae, renowned for its brilliant scarlet-red coloration and waxy texture. Morphologically, it features a convex to bell-shaped cap that flattens with age, typically measuring 2–5 cm in diameter. The cap surface is smooth and slightly viscid (sticky) when moist, often fading from deep blood-red to orange-yellow at the margins as it matures. The gills are thick, waxy, and widely spaced, attached to the stem (adnate) or slightly decurrent, exhibiting a reddish-orange hue with distinct yellowish edges.

Edibility: Edible. While Hygrocybe coccinea is non-toxic and technically edible, it is considered of low culinary value due to its small size, thin flesh, and lack of distinctive flavor. The taste is mild and the texture is soft and waxy. It is often discouraged for collection because of its status as an indicator species for threatened grassland habitats. Safety: Care must be taken to distinguish it from the Blackening Waxcap (Hygrocybe conica), which turns black when bruised or aged and is suspected to be slightly toxic. Most other red waxcaps are non-toxic but rare.

Habitat: Primary habitat includes unimproved (nutrient-poor) grasslands, ancient meadows, pastures, and mossy lawns. In North America, it is also frequently found in woodland clearings and mixed hardwood-conifer forests (e.g., under Redwoods).. Substrates: nutrient-poor soil, moss beds, grass root zones, humus. Conditions: Requires high humidity and cool, temperate conditions. Strictly intolerant of artificial fertilizers (nitrates/phosphates).. Season: Late Summer to Late Autumn (Europe/East NA); Mid-Winter (California/West Coast)

Difficulty: EXPERT

Growth: slow

Contam Risk: high

Cultivation Suitability

Preferred Substrates

Nutrient-poor soil

Living moss

Grass root zones

Calcareous loam

Distribution

Native: Europe (widespread), North America (Pacific Northwest, Northeast, California), Asia (China, Japan, India), Australia (debated/reclassified). Widespread in the temperate Northern Hemisphere. In Europe, it is a specific indicator of 'Waxcap Grasslands'—ancient pastures of high conservation value.

Known Strains (0)

No strains cataloged yet for this species.

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