Hygrocybe laetissima

Hygrocybe laetissima, also known as the cherry-red waxy cap, is a species of gilled mushroom found in North America. It appears to flourish in association with redwood forests. 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. It also overlaps somewhat in range and appearance with Hygrocybe coccinea. This one has the coloration of a Rainier cherry. Not recommended as an edible mushroom because close cousins (namely, punicea) have made people sick. This mushroom species was first described by Alexander H. Smith and L. R. Hesler.