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Witch's hat

Hygrocybe conica

A species of Waxcaps, Also known as Blackening waxcap, Blackening waxy-cap

Witch's hat mushrooms appear after summer and autumn rains, popping up in groups across fields, grasslands, and roadsides, particularly in places where the soil quality is poor. Catch them quickly to see bright orange or red colors, as the caps quickly turn jet black. They remain standing for several weeks in that glossy, stately form. Witch's hat is reported to be poisonous.

Cap Diameter:

2 - 9 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Witch's hat

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Attributes of Witch's hat

Cap Diameter

2 - 9 cm

Height

4 - 10 cm

Cap

Cap 1 - 6 cm across; sharply conical, expanding to broadly conical; red to orange, becoming black; sticky when very fresh, soon greasy or dry, bald or finely radially silky

Cap Shape

Bell-shaped, Convex, Flat, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky, Visible lines or stripes

Gills

Adnexed; close or nearly distant; whitish to yellowish, becoming pale yellow, then orange; bruising and aging pale to dark gray or black

Gill Attachment

Free to Attached

Stem

Stem 3 - 8 cm long, 3 - 20 mm thick; equal; yellow to orangish yellow or orange, with a white base; fairly dry, fragile, splitting, hollow; bruising black

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Fibrillose

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Thin; colored like the cap; slowly blackening on exposure

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Black

Yellow

Red

White

Orange

Flesh Bruises

Discolor to gray or black

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious, Scattered

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic, Symbiotic

Substrate

On soil, Mosses

You can find Witch's hat by these plants:

Pines, Spruces

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland, Meadows, Disturbed Lands

Species Status

Widely distributed in North America

Endangered Species

How to Identify Witch's hat

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Witch's hat

The witch's hat usually grows in coniferous or mixed woods, on hillsides, or along roads and paths. It prefers damp sites and moist grass. It never appears in the places where artificial fertilizers or weedkillers have been used.

Distribution Area of Witch's hat

Northern America,Europe,Africa,Central and South America,Antarctica (island),Asia,Australia,New Zealand

Hunting Values of Witch's hat

The edibility is controversial as some people reported discomfort after eating.

Uses of Witch's hat

Witch's hat is a mushroom species with a 'Questionable Edible' status, indicating potential risks if consumed. It's not popular as a culinary ingredient due to these safety concerns. While some may experiment with it, its consumption is discouraged without expert identification and preparation knowledge. Its availability does not translate into collection value for edible use, and caution is advised to avoid possible adverse effects.

Scientific Classification of Witch's hat

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Waxgills

Genus

Waxcaps

Toxicity and Edibility of Witch's hat

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Is Witch's hat Toxic?

The witch's hat contains gastrointestinal irritants that can cause stomach upset in some people. The symptoms are mild and they include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sweating. Therefore, the witch's hat is best avoided.

Similar Species to Witch's hat

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Tips for Finding Witch's hat

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When is the Best Time to Find Witch's hat

Search for witch's hat in late summer to fall, after a period of wet weather, when temperatures are mild. Mornings can be particularly fruitful after a night of rainfall.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Witch's hat

Moist, well-drained soils with abundant organic matter.

What are Some Tips for Finding Witch's hat

Survey well-maintained grassy areas, such as churchyards or meadows, for the presence of witch's hat.
Focus on areas that avoid the application of fertilizers and where the grass is routinely cut.
Check around the bases of Monterey cypress and redwood trees, where witch's hat may grow solitarily or in small groups.
Explore gravel tracks and dunes that provide the ideal moist and organic-rich soil conditions that witch's hat prefers.
Visually scan roadsides and the edges of grasslands for the distinctively shaped and colored fruiting bodies of witch's hat.

How to Clean and Preserve Witch's hat

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How to Clean Witch's hat

To clean witch's hat, gently brush off any debris with a soft brush or cloth. For ingrained dirt, lightly rinse under cool running water without submerging to maintain structural integrity. Pat dry with paper towels and handle delicately.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Witch's hat

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Inactivates enzymes, prevents flavor and texture loss.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Witch's hat

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Original Packaging Storage

Temperature

1 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Allows moisture to escape, preventing sogginess and spoilage of mushrooms.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Small holes permit air circulation, reducing the accumulation of excess moisture.

Cloth Wrapping: Absorbs excess moisture, providing a drier environment to extend shelf life.

Original Packaging Storage: Retail containers are designed for breathability, which can be suitable for short-term storage.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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What color is witch's hat?

Where do witch's hat grow?

More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Witch's hat

Crimson waxcap

Hygrocybe punicea

Persistant waxcap

Hygrocybe acutoconica