waxycap coccinea Kingdom: Fungi FEATURES Phylum: The body of a (mycelium) is made up of Class: strands called mycelia. The mycelium grows within Order: the soil, a dead tree or other object and is rarely seen. The fruiting body that produces spores is Family: generally present for only a short period of time but ILLINOIS STATUS is the most familiar part of the fungus to people. This waxycap mushroom is also known as the scarlet common, native hood. The red cap is cone- or bell-shaped when © James Veselenak fresh but flattens with age. Gills are yellow-orange to red. The hollow stalk is nearly cylindrical and may be bent, flattened or ridged. The upper part of the stalk is the same color as the cap, while the lower stalk is yellow. The cap is about three-fourths to two inches wide. The stalk may be about two and three- fourths inches tall.

BEHAVIORS This waxycap mushroom may be found statewide in Illinois. It grows on soil in woodlands. Unlike plants, fungi do not have roots, stems, leaves, flowers or seeds. The waxycap mushroom must absorb emerging from leaf litter nutrients and water from the objects it grows in. Spores are produced in summer and fall. The spores provide a means of reproduction, dispersal and survival in poor conditions. Spore production occurs when conditions are favorable, generally with warm ILLINOIS RANGE temperatures and ample moisture.

© Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 2021. Biodiversity of Illinois. Unless otherwise noted, photos and images © Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Aquatic Habitats bottomland forests

Woodland Habitats bottomland forests; coniferous forests; southern Illinois lowlands; upland deciduous forests

Prairie and Edge Habitats none

© Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 2021. Biodiversity of Illinois. Unless otherwise noted, photos and images © Illinois Department of Natural Resources.