The witch hat mushroom, scientifically known as Hygrocybe kleineana, is a distinctive species of mushroom that resembles the traditional pointed hats worn by witches. It is a member of the Hygrophoraceae family and is commonly found in North America, Europe, and Asia. The cap of the witch hat mushroom is typically conical or bell-shaped, with a dark reddish-brown or black color. The texture of the cap is smooth, and it often has a slightly sticky or slimy feel when moist. As the mushroom matures, the cap expands and flattens, sometimes developing a distinct umbo or bump in the center. The gills of the witch hat mushroom are close together and somewhat decurrent, meaning they extend slightly down the stem.
As it is currently described, H. conica is found on the ground under hardwood and conifer trees in North America, South America, Asia, and Europe. You can find the Witch’s Hat across North America fruiting from early summer through fall, or fall through winter in warmer climates like California. There are usually a few to many of these mushrooms scattered around a small area, so if you see one make sure to look around for more! 1,3
I did not believe in this separation until I traveled to the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado in 1997 and saw the wide variety of Hygrophorus species out there-- none looking anything like the brightly colored species we have in the midwest. I did not believe in this separation until I traveled to the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado in 1997 and saw the wide variety of Hygrophorus species out there-- none looking anything like the brightly colored species we have in the midwest.
The gills of the witch hat mushroom are close together and somewhat decurrent, meaning they extend slightly down the stem. The color of the gills can range from pale yellow to bright orange, depending on the age of the mushroom. When young, the gills are often covered in a gelatinous layer that gives them a translucent appearance.
Witch hat mushroon
In keeping with a Halloween theme, this month's fungus is the witch's hat mushroom, Hygrocybe conica, also known as Hygrophorus conicus (more on the taxonomy later). With its orange color and witch hat shape, this mushroom is a natural for Halloween. This fungus is common this time of year in coniferous and mixed conifer/hardwood woods-- we took this picture of mushrooms collected by Bernadette O'Reilly in a mixed pine and scrub red oak forest a couple weeks ago. At least here in the midwestern USA, the further north you go, the more likely you are to find Hygrocybe and Hygrophorus specimens. Hygrocybe and Hygrophorus species are reportedly mycorrhizal with both hardwoods and conifers, although I've yet to see definitive proof. They certainly are difficult to culture, indicating that there's something (essential nutrients?) missing in "normal" media.
You may have learned this species as Hygrophorus conicus, but for many year there Hygrocybe has been segregated from Hygrophorus. I did not believe in this separation until I traveled to the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado in 1997 and saw the wide variety of Hygrophorus species out there-- none looking anything like the brightly colored species we have in the midwest. In the field the distinctions between the genera are pretty clear, with a few exceptions. A third genus Camarophyllus, is also segregated out by some. These genera are placed in the family Hygrophoraceae because of their waxy gills and mycorrhizal habit. My students often have trouble with "waxy." I tell them to think of waxy here as the consistency of soft candle wax, not of hardened cold candles.
These genera, once all placed in the genus Hygrophorus, are now separated from one another on the basis of microscopic characters, primarily the arrangement of the hyphae in the gill trama. The gill trama is the flesh of the gills, underneath the outside layer of basidia and basidiospores. To determine the arrangement of the trama, you should look to see how the hyphae grew out from the center of the mushroom toward the outside. In Hygrocybe the gill trama hyphae are parallel to subparallel. In Hygrophorus the trama is divergent. The arrangement of the trama is considered by most agaricologists to be a very important character at the generic level. In the picture to the left, you can see the parallel trama of Hygrocybe conica and the divergent trama of Hygrophorus russula. The origin of each gill section is to the right, and the end of the gill of each section is to the left. The basidia are borne on the outside of the gills, showing up as a dark, dense area in these sections.
However, lumper that I am, I did not believe the distinction was valid until I went to a foray in 1997 in the mountains of New Mexico and saw many species of Hygrophorus there (we don't have very many of these species in our area). Hygrophorus and Hygrocybe are quite different in stature and overall appearance. Hygrocybe species tend to be more brightly colored and much smaller, although there are some bright white Hygrocybe species bigger than any Hygrophorus I've ever seen. Hygrophorus species tend to have more muted colors and are much larger. If you are a "lumper," you might still consider that all these species belong in a single genus, Hygrophorus. Bill Cibula (now retired from NASA) worked on the carotenoid pigments in these genera many years ago, although little of it is yet published. Someone also needs to work on the DNA of these organisms. Taxonomy is often a matter of opinion anyway.
There are many other species of Hygrocybe , ranging in color from red to yellow to orange to white. To the left is Hygrocybe psittacina, the parrot mushroom, so named because of the green color fading out to yellow as it ages. There are many other species of Hygrocybe that may litter the ground, especially in conifer areas.
Below is Hygrophorus russula, our most common Hygrophorus in the midwestern USA. The epithet names comes from the superficial similarity of its fruiting bodies to those of Russula. Note the more muted coloration compared to the Hygrocybe specimens. You probably can't tell from this picture, but these specimens are ten times larger than any of the Hygrocybe species pictured on this page. However, there certainly are a wide variety of colors and sizes represented in each of the genera. Be on the lookout for them in your area.
I hope you enjoyed learning something about Hygrocybe conica. And I hope you have a Happy Halloween. Maybe you should incorporate a mushroom into your Halloween costume? I'd love to see a picture if you do. I'll even include it online if you give me permission to do so.
- Tremella mesenterica, witch's butter.
- Claviceps purpurea, cause of the plant disease ergot and likely factor in the Salem Witch Trials
- Omphalotus olearius, the Jack-O-Lantern Mushroom.
A spore print is the pattern produced when a mushroom is allowed to drop its spores onto a surface. Spore prints are taken to assess the color of a mushroom’s spores.
The stem of the witch hat mushroom is typically slender and elongated, with a similar color to the cap. It may have a slight swelling at the base and is often covered in fine, white hairs or fibrils. The stem is hollow and fragile, making it prone to breaking or crumbling. One notable characteristic of the witch hat mushroom is its distinctive odor, which has been described as fruity or remniscent of fresh apricots. This aroma can be quite strong, especially in mature specimens. Witch hat mushrooms are typically found in grassy areas, meadows, and woodland edges, often in association with conifers or mixed forests. They prefer moist, humid conditions and are most commonly seen in late summer and early fall. While the witch hat mushroom is not considered toxic, it is generally not recommended for consumption due to its unpleasant taste and potential for causing gastrointestinal upset. However, it is still a fascinating and visually striking species that adds a touch of enchantment to the natural world..
Reviews for "The Enchanting Colors of Witch Hat Mushrooms: A Visual Spectacle"
1. John - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "Witch Hat Mushroom" based on the hype surrounding it, but I was left disappointed. The storyline felt weak and lacked depth. The characters were predictable and lacked development, making it hard to connect with them. Additionally, the artwork was underwhelming and failed to capture the magical essence that was promised. Overall, "Witch Hat Mushroom" failed to live up to its potential, and I would not recommend it to others.
2. Sarah - 3 stars - I found "Witch Hat Mushroom" to be just average. While the concept of witches and magic was intriguing, the execution fell flat. The pacing was slow, and it took too long for the story to build momentum. The artwork was beautifully done, but the lackluster plot failed to hold my interest. I also found the dialogue to be unengaging and lacking in substance. Overall, "Witch Hat Mushroom" had its moments, but it ultimately failed to captivate me like I had hoped.
3. Michael - 2 stars - "Witch Hat Mushroom" promised a unique and enchanting story, but it failed to deliver. The characters felt one-dimensional and their motivations were often unclear. The world-building was poorly executed, with little explanation of the magical elements and how they fit into the overall narrative. The pacing was inconsistent, dragging in some parts and rushing through others. Additionally, the artwork, while visually appealing, lacked the detail and intricacy that would have elevated the story. Overall, "Witch Hat Mushroom" left me unsatisfied and I wouldn't recommend it to fans of the fantasy genre.
4. Emily - 1 star - I regret wasting my time on "Witch Hat Mushroom." The plot was confusing and disjointed, making it difficult to follow the story. The characters lacked depth and their actions often felt random and nonsensical. The artwork was decent, but it couldn't compensate for the lackluster storytelling. Overall, "Witch Hat Mushroom" was a disappointment and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a satisfying and coherent fantasy experience.
5. Ethan - 2 stars - "Witch Hat Mushroom" had a promising concept, but it failed to deliver on its potential. The story felt hurried and lacked proper development. The characters were forgettable and lacked personality, making it hard to care about their journey. The artwork was decent, but it couldn't save the overall mediocre execution. I felt let down by "Witch Hat Mushroom," and I would not recommend it to others who are seeking a captivating and well-crafted fantasy tale.