Hygrocybe laetissima

Hygrocybe laetissima, also known as the cherry-red waxy cap, is a species of gilled mushroom found in North America.[1] It appears to flourish in association with redwood forests.[2][3] The authors of Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast note that this waxy cap is superficially similar to other waxy caps, including Hygrocybe splendidissima, Hygrocybe punicea, Hygrocybe aurantiosplendens, and Hygrocybe marchii.[2] It also overlaps somewhat in range and appearance with Hygrocybe coccinea.[4] This one has the coloration of a Rainier cherry. Not recommended as an edible mushroom because close cousins (namely, punicea) have made people sick.[2] This mushroom species was first described by Alexander H. Smith and L. R. Hesler.[5]