Scarlet Waxcap Hygrocybe coccinea (Schaeff.) P. Kumm. syn. Hygrophorus coccineus (Schaeff) Fr. (illustrated 55% life size) Cap 2โ4cm across, bell-shaped; scarlet to blood-red; slimy at first. Stem 20โ50ร3โ10mm, often becoming compressed; concolorous with cap but yellow towards the base; hollow. Flesh yellow-red; taste and smell faint, not distinctive. Gills adnate with a decurrent tooth; yellow when young, later blood-red with yellowish edge. Spores 7โ9.5ร4โ5ยผ, ellipsoid to almond-shaped, often slightly constricted. Spore print white. Habitat amongst grass in fields; late summer to autumn. Very common. Edible good. Note the smaller H. punicea (below) is similar.
