BASIDIOMYCETES: Agaricales, Hygrophoraceae

Russula-like Waxy Cap, Hygrophorus russula

Basidiomycetes, order: Agaricales, family: Hygrophoraceae

Height to 3"

Cap is up to 5" wide, convex, and becoming flattened with age. Surface is sticky or waxy when moist, pale pinkish or purplish, and sometimes showing thin, purple striations. Margin is inrolled and paler. Stalk is smooth and colored as cap. Gills are attached, white to pale purple, and not descending down the stalk. Spore print is white. Russula-like Waxy Caps are found on the ground in deciduous woodlands, particularly those with oak, throughout North America during the fall. Sometimes seen during the winter in California. It is edible.