Gliophorus irrigatus
Fast facts
- Common names
- Slimy Waxcap
- Scientific name
- Gliophorus irrigatus
- When to See It
- August-November
Description
A medium-sized waxcap with a distinctly slimy cap and stem, though this can be less obvious in dry conditions. It is typically dull in colour, ranging from grey to brown, with contrasting white gills. In dry weather, the slimy coating may not be immediately apparent, but a gentle touch against the lip can help detect any remaining tackiness, indicating it was viscid when fresh.
Identifying Slimy Waxcap
Slimy Waxcap is a small, grey to grey-brown species, instantly recognisable by the thick layer of slime covering both cap and stem, often making it tricky to handle. The cap, usually 1–5 cm across, begins conical before flattening, sometimes appearing quite pale. The gills are white, widely spaced and notched, often running slightly down the stem, with short cross-veins visible between them. The stem is slender, hollow and equally slimy, matching the cap in colour. Even when colours are subdued, the combination of dull tones and an exceptionally slippery texture makes this species hard to mistake.
When to Find Them
This is a fairly common species, found in unimproved grassland, sheep pasture and fixed dunes, typically fruiting from August to November.
Interesting Fact
This is the only dull-coloured waxcap with both a slimy cap and stem, a useful feature for identification.
Join the hunt for North East Waxcaps
Urban or rural, beginner or expert, we need your help to record twelve distinctive waxcaps across the North East this autumn.
Your records can add to our understanding of these colourful fungi in the region and inform conservation and monitoring efforts.
Taking part is easy and every record counts, wherever you live in the region. Records of all waxcap species are encouraged.
