Habitat: Pine forest

Conservation Status: Not of concern

Hygrophorus hypothejus is a pine forest fungus that generally does not appear until late fall. It is recognized by its yellowish or olivaceous brown (darkest in the center), highly viscid cap, whitish to yellowish decurrent gills, and whitish to yellow viscid stipe. The fruitbodies usually develop yellowish to golden orange stains in age, a feature that allows it to be distinguished readily from other viscid, brown-capped hygrophoruses. H. hypothejus often fruits in large groups, both singly and in loose clusters. When old, water-soaked, and frost-bitten, it can be a downright unattractive fungus.