Hygrophorusn marzulus

The March wax cap grows singly, scattered or in clusters in the siliceous soil of mixed forests in the mountains of North America, Europe and Asia. It appears in the litter or moss under pine trees, Norway spruce, fir, and beech in spring often as the last snow melts. The mushroom is 1.5 to 3.75 inches tall with a cap 2.5 to 6 inches across. The fleshy cap is convex at first but flattens, develops a depression in the center, and becomes irregular with age. It is smooth and white before turning gray and almost black over time. The margin inrolls at first but flattens and may become uplifted and irregular. The white gills are crowded, slightly curved, slowly turn gray and become well spaced out. The stem is white tuning gray, often curved at the bottom, and less than an inch in diameter. The spores are white.

With a mild odor and flavor, the March wax cap is prized in Switzerland but is generally less well thought off elsewhere. It’s early appearance in spring may be its key to success among its advocates, while its tendency to hide in moss and forest litter may have hindered its rise to popularity.

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By Karen