A pantropical, dung-inhabiting psilocybin mushroom in the Hymenogastraceae and the best-known psilocybin species, largely because of its wide distribution and ease of cultivation. It has a brown to golden, sticky cap, a persistent white membranous ring, and tissues that bruise blue.
Psychoactive; not a food mushroom. Contains psilocybin and psilocin, which cause hallucinations and altered perception; adverse effects include anxiety and panic, and a case of transient kidney failure has been reported. Illegal under US federal law and in many countries; legal status varies. Poisonous pasture look-alikes include deadly Galerina and Pholiotina rugosa and Chlorophyllum molybdites.
Psychoactive species. Provided for scientific, educational and research purposes only. Psychoactive mushrooms — including those containing psilocybin or muscimol — are restricted or illegal to possess, sell or cultivate in many countries and jurisdictions; some permit regulated, medical or decriminalized use. Check the laws where you are. WeMush does not encourage illegal activity.
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Mycology is an evolving science: names, classifications and safety information change as research advances. Entries are compiled from cited sources and reviewed, but may be incomplete or out of date — check the sources, and never rely on this library alone to identify or eat a mushroom.
Habitat
On cow dung (occasionally horse dung), water buffalo dung in Asia, sugar cane mulch and rich pasture soil. Fruits February to December in the Northern Hemisphere and November to April in the Southern Hemisphere.
Distribution
Pantropical: Gulf Coast and southeastern US, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, Southeast Asia, India, Australia (northern Queensland to southern New South Wales, thought to have arrived with cattle), Fiji, and possibly Nepal and Hawaii; reported from Zimbabwe in 2018.
Characteristics
Cap: 1.6-8 cm; conic to convex, becoming plane, keeping a slight umbo; smooth, sticky; brown, paler toward the margin, fading to golden brown or yellowish; sometimes with white veil remnants. Gills: adnate to adnexed; grey, darkening to mottled purplish black; edges whitish. Stem: 4-15 cm long, 0.4-1.4 cm thick; hollow, white, yellowing with age; persistent white membranous ring, often darkened by spores. Spore print: dark purplish brown to blackish. Spores: sub-ellipsoid, 11.5-17.3 x 8-11.5 um. Bruising: all parts stain blue. Odor/taste: no odor; taste farinaceous with a metallic aftertaste.
Difficulty
Beginner
Growth speed
Moderate
Substrates
Grain spawn (rye, milo or rice) · Brown rice flour, vermiculite and gypsum · Coir, vermiculite and gypsum (bulk) · Manure-based or straw substrates
