Hygrophorus hypothejus
Hygrophorus hypothejus, commonly known as herald of the winter, is an edible species of fungus in the genus "Hygrophorus" native to Europe. It appears in late autumn in coniferous forests, often with the first frosts. Taxonomy. Elias Magnus Fries described this species in 1821 as "Agaricus hypothejus", before placing it in the genus "Hygrophorus" in 1838. Its species name is derived from the Ancient Greek words "hypo" and "theios" "sulphur yellow underneath". It has the common name of herald of the winter as it appears in autumn with the onset of the first overnight frosts. Alternate names are  late fall waxy cap in the United States, and yellow-gilled waxcap. Description. The cap measures across, is yellowish to olive brown with a dark center and slimy surface, and has a rolled margin when young, flattening and becoming more funnel-shaped as it ages. The yellow gills are decurrent, and the flesh is pale yellow, turning orange-red when bruised. The slender stipe is tall and wide. The colour can become more intense with the onset of frosts. The spore print is white and the oval spores measure 7–9 x 4–5 micrometres. Distribution and habitat. The mushroom grows in  coniferous forests, appearing in October and November, occasionally December. Though mushrooms may be abundant, they are often hard to spot among the pine needles. They often appear in big groups of individuals and clusters. Edibility. It is edible but of variable quality as some specimens may be slimy. Similar species. "Hygrophorus hypothejus" could be confused with the slimy spike cap ("Gomphidius glutinosus"), though the gills of the latter separate easily from the cap (unlike the herald of winter). "Hygrophorus speciosus" is also similar.