A small grassland mushroom with a sharply conical, often nipple-topped cap, known for containing the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. It is saprobic on decaying grass roots and is widespread in northern temperate regions, especially Europe.
Psychoactive; not a food mushroom. Contains psilocybin (reported about 0.2–2.4% of dry weight) and psilocin. Effects include visual distortion, raised heart rate and anxiety; severe reactions are reported with high or repeated doses. Toxic grassland look-alikes include the muscarine-containing Inocybe geophylla, and confusion with Cortinarius rubellus has caused kidney failure. Possession is illegal in many countries; legal status varies.
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 Entries are compiled from cited sources and reviewed, but may be incomplete or out of date — check the sources, and never rely on this library alone to identify or eat a mushroom.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
Grasslands, especially damp meadows, pastures and lawns on rich, acidic soil; often in pastures grazed or fertilized by sheep or cattle, but not usually directly on dung. Saprobic on decaying grass roots. In the Pacific Northwest it fruits mainly in autumn and early winter, occasionally in spring.
Distribution
Widespread in northern temperate regions, especially Europe. In North America it occurs in Canada and the US, where it is most common in the Pacific Northwest west of the Cascades. Also reported from Chile (rare), Australia (possibly introduced), New Zealand, India and Pakistan.
Characteristics
Cap: 5–25 mm wide and 6–22 mm tall, sharply conical to bell-shaped, usually with a pointed papilla; hygrophanous, ochraceous to chestnut brown when moist (sometimes tinged bluish-green), drying pale yellow-brown; a thin gelatinous pellicle can be peeled from moist caps. Gills: 15–27, narrowly adnexed to nearly free, pale brown becoming dark grey to purple-brown with a paler edge. Stem: 4.5–14 cm long, 1–3.5 mm thick, slender, yellowish-brown; a faint cobwebby veil may leave a spore-darkened zone. Flesh: Thin, with a farinaceous smell; parts may bruise bluish. Spore print: Deep reddish purple-brown. Spores: 10.5–15 × 6.5–8.5 µm, ellipsoid to oblong.
