Hygrocybe punicea

Hygrocybe punicea, sometimes called Crimson- or Scarlet Waxy Cap, is a colourful member of the genus Hygrocybe, the waxcaps, found across Northern Europe. Originally described as Hygrophorus puniceus, it is the largest member of the genus.

Description
A large waxcap with an initially bell-shaped, and later flattening, cap 4-10 cm across and blood- to dark red in colour. The gills are thick and widely spaced, yellow red in colour. The spore print is white. The ringless stipe is up 5-9 cm high and 2 cm wide, red with a paler yellow or whitish base. The flesh is whitish.

Distribution and habitat
Widely occurring in grasslands across Europe.

Edibility
Mild tasting, Hygrocybe punicea is edible