Golden Waxcap
Hygrocybe flavescens
Hygrocybe chlorophana

© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio     Golden Waxcap photographed on Downclose Cliffs, November 22nd 2008		The waxcaps include some of our most brightly-coloured fungi and, as their name suggests, are characterised by their glossy caps. There are over 40 different species in the UK, of which 31 occur in Dorset, in a variety of colours including bright red, green, white and yellow. The Golden Waxcap is one of the most common members of the group and can be found during autumn in any grassy area. I have listed 2 latin names for this species as it has recently been decided that they are the same.
Although they are not poisonous waxcaps are generally considered not to be worth eating, but as it is always possible to confuse some of the duller species with something else I would never recommend trying one.