Larch Woodwax
Hygrophorus lucorum
The Larch Woodwax (Hygrophorus lucorum) is a distinctive waxy-capped mushroom species that forms mycorrhizal associations exclusively with larch trees in northern temperate forests. This medium-sized fungus displays a characteristic pale yellow to cream-colored cap with a waxy texture and white gills, typically fruiting in late summer to early autumn.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Basidiomycota
Class
Agaricomycetes
Order
Agaricales
Family
Hygrophoraceae
Genus
Hygrophorus
Larch Woodwax belongs to the family Hygrophoraceae, order Agaricales, within the Agaricomycetes class.
Species Profile
The Larch Woodwax (Hygrophorus lucorum) is a distinctive waxy-capped mushroom species that forms mycorrhizal associations exclusively with larch trees in northern temperate forests. This medium-sized fungus displays a characteristic pale yellow to cream-colored cap with a waxy texture and white gills, typically fruiting in late summer to early autumn. As a mycorrhizal partner, it plays a crucial ecological role in nutrient exchange with larch trees, enhancing forest health and resilience.
Larch Woodwax (Hygrophorus lucorum) faces severe decline primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and conversion of old-growth larch forests for agriculture and development. Climate change is altering the specific temperature and moisture conditions required for this mycorrhizal fungus to form associations with its host trees. Additionally, air pollution and acid rain are degrading the forest ecosystems where this species occurs.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Larch Woodwax occurs exclusively in mature larch forests and mixed coniferous woodlands where European larch (Larix decidua) or other larch species dominate the canopy. The species requires well-drained, acidic soils with deep organic layers and typically fruits in areas with partial shade and consistent moisture levels beneath established larch stands.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Larch Woodwax (Hygrophorus lucorum) faces severe decline primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and conversion of old-growth larch forests for agriculture and development. Climate change is altering the specific temperature and moisture conditions required for this mycorrhizal fungus to form associations with its host trees. Additionally, air pollution and acid rain are degrading the forest ecosystems where this species occurs.
Climate change altering forest conditions
Habitat loss and forest conversion
Logging of old-growth larch forests
Air pollution and acid deposition
Soil degradation and nutrient cycling disruption
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Larch Woodwax (Hygrophorus lucorum). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/larch-woodwax