Waxcaps

Waxcaps or waxy caps, (Hygrophoraceae) are a family of gilled mushroom that grow in the meadows surrounding Sausal Creek. Waxcaps are only able to identified to the family level, because definitive species classifications have not yet been determined. Sometimes, mushrooms like these are able to be identified through DNA sampling or "barcoding." These ground-dwelling fungi boasts bright colors ranging from yellow to red, and slimy, cone-shaped caps. Waxcaps are found all over the world and have been continuing to spread. They are favored by local mushroom hunters here in the San Francisco Bay Area because of the vibrant hue of their caps. While the fruit bodies of these fungi are edible, they are not commonly eaten because of their lack of distinctive flavor and viscous texture.