Snowy Waxcap

Snowy Waxcap Hygrocybe virginea (Wulfen) P.D. Orton & Watling syn. Cuphophyllus virgineus (Wulfen) Kovalenko (illustrated 60% life size) Cap 1–3cm across, convex, becoming flattened and depressed; white, becoming ivory or tinged ochraceous with age, especially at centre, striate when moist. Stem 25–50×2–4mm, tapering towards the base; white. Flesh whitish; thick at centre of cap; taste and smell not distinctive. Gills decurrent, widely spaced; whitish. Spores 7–9×4–5.5¼ in four-spored forms, 10–12×5–6¼ in two-spored forms, ellipsoid or pip-shaped. Spore print white. Habitat in short grass in pastures and open woodland; autumn. Very common. Edible good.