Herald of winter or Ivory woodwax

Cap 3-7 cm, at first hemispherical with an inrolled margin, then convex-flattened with a broad umbo. Color olive-brown or yellowish-olive in the center, paler and yellowish toward the margin. Surface very slimy, especially in wet weather, glossy.

Cap 4-8 cm (young ones 4-5 cm), hemispherical at first, then convex-flattened with a small umbo. White or creamy white, with a faint yellowish tint, especially at the center. The surface is moist AND slimy in wet weather — a thick layer of clear slime. In dry weather it dries out and becomes smooth.

Gills. The gills are widely spaced, thick, waxy, decurrent on the stem. Color yellow or yellowish-golden — this is the key feature. Spore print white.

Gilled hymenophore. The gills are widely spaced, thick, and decurrent (a typical feature of the genus). White at first, taking on a cream tint with age. Spore print white.

Stem 4-9 cm tall, 0.5-1 cm thick, cylindrical, often curved. Yellowish to yellow-orange, paler in the upper part. Surface slimy, especially in young mushrooms. No ring.

Stem up to 10 cm tall, 0.5-1.5 cm thick, cylindrical or tapering toward the base. White; the surface is slimy in wet weather, with a white mealy coating at the top. Hollow inside. No ring.

Flesh pale yellow, firm in young mushrooms, softer with age. Doesn't change color when cut. Handles frying and stewing well.

The flesh is white, firm in young mushrooms, becoming watery with age. Does not change color when cut. A faint, unremarkable mushroomy taste.

Faint pleasant mushroomy smell, without sharp notes. Mild, pleasant taste.

Faint mushroomy smell, mildly pleasant. Some sources describe a hint of almond or resin. Taste bland, mild.