About Hygrocybe laetissima (A.H.Sm. & Hesler) Singer
Scientific name: Hygrocybe laetissima (A.H.Sm. & Hesler) Singer. Hygrocybe laetissima, commonly called the cherry-red waxy cap, is a species of gilled mushroom. It was first formally described by Alexander H. Smith and L. R. Hesler. Its color matches that of a Rainier cherry, and it looks superficially similar to many other waxy cap species: Hygrocybe splendidissima, H. punicea, H. aurantiosplendens, and H. marchii. It also partially overlaps in both geographic range and appearance with H. coccinea. This species is found in North America, where it seems to grow best in association with redwood forests. It is not recommended for eating, because closely related species, most notably H. punicea, have caused illness in humans.
