Something weird and wonderful might be lurking in a graveyard near you this Hallowe’en… No, not goblins, ghouls and ghosts but wildly colourful fungi called waxcaps! Here’s a few to look out for but remember NEVER eat wild mushrooms unless under supervision from a mushroom identification expert.
Meadow waxcap (Hygrocybe pratensis)
One of the least colourful but easiest to find! Can grow in a ring formation called fairy rings.
Image by Trevor Dines
Scarlet waxcap (Hygrocybe coccinea)
Also known as Scarlet Hoods, its vivid red caps contrast against the green grass and can be found in large groups called “troops”.
Image by David Harries
Blackening waxcap (Hygrocybe conica)
Also known as Witch’s Hat! Its yellow-orange/red cap turns black when cut or bruised.
By Trevor Dines
Pink/Ballerina waxcap (Hygrocybe calyptriformis)
The only pink waxcap. Its edges expand over time and lift to look like a ballerina’s dress.
Image by Ray Woods
Crimson waxcap (Hygrocybe punicea)
One of the largest you will find on regularly mown churchyards and grassland. This species is a useful indicator of good waxcap sites.
Image by Trevor Dines
Violet coral (Clavaria zollingeri)
Another grassland fungus, but very different to most waxcaps. Its striking colour and shape resemble an underwater coral. Incredibly rare.
Image by Trevor Dines
Glutinous waxcap (Hygrocybe glutinipes)
This waxcap is super slimy and sometimes adorned with thick blobs of mucous!
Image by Trevor Dines
Garlic waxcap (Hygrocybe helobia)
This waxcap has small scales on its cap and smells of garlic when gently crushed.
By Lucia Chmurova
To help monitor these amazing fungi check out Plantlife's WaxcApp! Please make sure you follow local restrictions where you are!
