Distribution: West coast of North America.
Substrate: Soil.
Conservation Status: Not of concern
This species is one of the larger waxcaps and can be recognized by its vibrant coloration and stocky stature. Its scarlet cap is moist and smooth but never viscid. Caps are convex when young, becoming flat or wavy with age. The thick, creamy peach gills are widely spaced and attached to the stipe with a slight notch. Its straight, rigid stipe has vertical fibers that help distinguish this species. Stipes on younger fruits are pale yellow to white, turning deeper yellow with a blush of red towards the bottom. No distinct odor or taste. Often found growing in small patches but can be solitary. Rare in the Pacific Northwest. Description by Lauren Re.
PNW Herbaria: Specimen records of Hygrocybe laetissima in the Consortium of Pacific Northwest Herbaria database
CalPhotos: Hygrocybe laetissima photos