Herald of Winter

Hygrophorus hypothejus

Coniferous forests, especially pine forests. Autumn, not afraid of frosts.

Fruiting bodies small, medium-sized. Cap 3—5 cm across, rarely growing larger (6-10 cm), very slimy, when mature dry, yellowish-brown with a black tinge, when the slime has dried brownish-yellow. Young gills white, old ones yellow, spotted pinkish, decurrent. Stem up to 8 cm long and 1 cm thick, yellow, slimy. Flesh yellowish, with a pleasant smell and taste. Characteristic features: grows late in autumn, often after frosts. Mature fruiting bodies brownish-yellow. Grows one near another, but often in sizeable groups, in pine forests. Common. Edible. Very tasty fresh, worth the attention of mushroom pickers.