Camarophyllus pratensis is one of the more spectacular waxy cap mushrooms in the Puget Sound Basin. It is a widespread species that occurs in grassy and open areas but also is found in parks and on the edges of wooded areas. The coloration of the cap is variable, from pale orange to pale peach colored, or whitish with these colors mixed in when faded. The beautiful cream-orange colored, decurrent gills are thick with interconnecting veins which gives it the appearance of a pale chanterelle. The stipe is whitish or has cream orange tints and often is tapered to the base. It occurs primarily from fall into the early spring but can be found in the summer as well.

Camarophyllus pratensis is part of the Burke Museum's Mushroom of the Month ~ 2008 series.

Camarophyllus pratensis: Mushroom of the Month for March 2008 Photo by J. Ammirati