02/14/2026
The Scarlet Waxcap, also known as Scarlet Hood, is a small, vividly scarlet-red mushroom belonging to the waxcap family. Its cap, typically 2-5 cm in diameter, starts bell-shaped and flattens with age, often becoming slightly sticky or greasy in moist conditions. The gills are thick, widely spaced, and usually match the cap's color or are slightly more orange. The slender stem is hollow and generally the same striking red as the cap. While considered edible, its small size and mild flavor make it less popular for culinary use. It is primarily found in unimproved grasslands, like old meadows and pastures, and its presence can indicate a healthy, undisturbed ecosystem. It fruits from late summer to late fall in the Northern Hemisphere and is also found in some parts of Asia and Oceania.
