Oak woodwax or Herald of winter

Cap 4-10 cm, hemispherical at first, then flattened-convex with a broad umbo. Orange-reddish, brick orange, darker at the center. The surface is dry or slightly slimy in wet weather, smooth. The margin is thin and often split in mature specimens.

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.

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

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.

Stem 4-8 cm tall, 1-2 cm thick, cylindrical, slightly tapering toward the base. White or cream, with a pinkish tint at the top. The surface is dry, with a fine white mealy coating at the top. No ring.

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.

The flesh is white, firm, thick at the center of the cap. Does not change color when cut. Springy texture, not watery — good for cooking.

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

A distinct mealy smell — a diagnostic feature. Taste mild, pleasantly mushroomy, with a barely noticeable fresh, mealy note.

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