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A representative of the Hygrophoraceae family, Hygrocybe oak, is a colorful basidiomycete that grows everywhere in mixed forests. It differs from other brethren in its distinct oily odor. In the scientific literature you can find the Latin name of the species - Hygrocybe quieta.
This is a noticeable, orange mushroom, shaped like small umbrellas
What does Hygrocybe oak look like?
In young specimens the cap is conical and becomes prostrate over time. Its diameter does not exceed 5 cm. With high humidity, the surface becomes oily and sticky, in sunny weather it becomes smooth and dry. The color of the fruiting body is yellow-hot, with an orange tint.
The hymenophore (the reverse side of the cap) consists of sparse yellow-orange plates that branch at the edges
The pulp is whitish with a yellowish tint, fleshy, the taste is not pronounced, the aroma is oily.
The leg is cylindrical, thin, fragile and brittle, the surface is smooth. In young specimens it is smooth, in old specimens it becomes curved or twisted. It is hollow inside, the diameter does not exceed 1 cm, and the length is 6 cm. The color corresponds to the cap: bright yellow or orange. Whitish spots may appear on the surface. There are no rings or films.
The spores are ellipsoidal, oblong, smooth. White spore powder.
Where does Hygrocybe oak grow?
Basidiomycetes of the Hygrophoraceae family reproduce in deciduous or mixed forests. Prefers to grow under the shade of an oak tree. That's why it got its self-explanatory name. It is distributed throughout Europe and Russia. Fruits mainly in autumn.
Is it possible to eat Hygrocybe oak?
The described mushroom is not poisonous and does not pose a danger to the human body. But it has a mediocre taste, which is why it has not become a favorite among mushroom pickers. When broken, the cap emits a strong oily aroma. Scientists classify Hygrocybe oak as a conditionally edible species.
False doubles
Many members of the Hygrophoraceae family are similar to each other. The described basidiomycete also has a similar brother - Hygrocybe intermedia, the Latin name is Hygrocybe intermedia.
The double has a dark orange color, its cap is larger in diameter, umbrella-shaped, with a noticeable tubercle or pit in the center
The skin is dry and smooth, loose, covered with small scales, and looks like wax. The edges of the cap are brittle and often crack. The hymenophore is white, with a yellowish tint.
The leg is long and thin, yellow in color, with red veins, which are lighter near the cap.
The basidiomycete lives in mixed forests, in clearings with tall grass and fertile soil. Fruiting period is autumn.
The taste and aroma of the double is not expressed. It is classified as a conditionally edible species.
Another lookalike is the beautiful Hygrocybe. The shape of the fruiting body and the size of the twin are absolutely identical to Hygrocybe oak. The color of a similar species is gray, olive or light lilac.
As they mature, the twins from the Hygrophoraceae family acquire a fiery red color and become completely similar to the oak hygrocybe
The plates are smooth, frequent, light yellow, grow to the stem and seem to descend onto it. The edges of the cap are smooth and do not crack.
This is a rare mushroom that is practically never found in the forests of Russia. It is classified as an edible species. Some mushroom pickers are distinguished by its good taste and bright aroma.
Conclusion
Hygrocybe oak is a catchy, beautiful mushroom with a specific smell. Rarely found in Russian forests. The fruiting body is small, so picking a basket of such mushrooms is quite problematic. They grow not only in forests and oak groves, but also in meadows, pastures, and well-lit clearings with high humidity. This basidiomycete is not picky about soil composition.
