Cuphophyllus virgineus var virgineus (Wulfen) Kovalenko
(Snowy Waxcap)

A small to medium-sized white waxcap with decurrent gills and a hygrophanous, slightly greasy cap. It often grows in troops in unfertilized grassland and lawns as well as fixed dunes, heathland and roadsides. It has a greater tolerance of disturbance and fertiliser residues than most other waxcaps (including the other varieties of this species) and is among the first to establish on abandoned fields. It is very common and widespread. Until recently a separate species, Hygrocybe nivea, was recognised, largely on the basis of spore size: this is now felt to be untenable.

4227

Little indicator value as it is more tolerant of fertilizers than other species of waxcaps.