Hygrocybe spadicea Date-coloured Waxcap

Hygrocybe spadicea © Liz Fleming-Williams

This fungus has a dark brown cap that feels waxy, yellow gills below and a yellow stalk. It likes to grow in old, short grassland, often pastures, lawns or churchyards, usually but not exclusively on chalky soils, and is also found on coastal dunes.

Research is currently underway regarding the current status of this and related species, but it appears to be rare throughout the UK.

The main threat is habitat destruction or improvement through the application of fertilisers, or by stopping grazing or mowing.