About Hygrophorus pudorinus (Fr.) Fr.
The scientific name of this mushroom is Hygrophorus pudorinus (Fr.) Fr. Its cap ranges in color from pink to golden, is 5–12 cm (2–4+3⁄4 in) wide, convex in shape, and has a lighter-colored, downrolled margin. The surface of the cap is sticky. Its gills, which range in color from pink to yellow-white, are decurrent. The thick stipe is 4–16 cm (1+5⁄8–6+1⁄4 in) tall and 1–3 cm (3⁄8–1+1⁄8 in) wide. This species produces a white spore print, and its oval spores measure 7–10 × 5–6 micrometres. The thick flesh is pale pink, orange, or white. The mushroom does not bruise red when damaged, has no distinctive odour, and may have a taste similar to turpentine. Hygrophorus pudorinus grows in coniferous woodlands under fir and spruce trees across western and northeastern North America, and it is particularly common in Canada and the Rocky Mountains. The mushrooms grow in groups or fairy rings, appearing in late summer and autumn. They often grow in boggy locations among sphagnum moss. Despite its taste, Hygrophorus pudorinus is edible after cooking. Its variable appearance makes accurate identification difficult, which increases the risk of misidentification.
