 Microscopically, "Hygrocybe" species lack true cystidia and have smooth, inamyloid basidiospores.Species of "Hygrophorus" are ectomycorrhizal, most forming associations with trees (both broadleaf and conifer) and hence typically found in woodlands.Many appear to be host specific, "Hygrophorus cossus", for example, occurring with oak and "H. speciosus" with larch.