Cherry Red Waxy Cap
Decorating the forest floor in the cold months is this common Waxy Cap, recognized by its cherry red caps, yellow to yellowish red stipes and waxy gills that start white and become reddish or orangey red with time. The caps are about 3-5cm across, the stipes up to 6cm and developing longitudinal fibrils with time. There is no odor and the taste is bland though they are not poisonous. They closely reseemble the European H. punicea, albeit a bit smaller. In the PNW the occur in mossy areas under conifer stands, but they are common in redwood forests further south.