Where do psilocybin mushroom spores grow in the wild?

The magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a polyphyletic, informal fungus group that contain psilocybin, or psilocin, which is converted into psilocin, the drug being consumed. There are many different kinds of Psilocybin mushrooms, including Copelandia, Gymnopilus, Inocybe, Panaeolus, Pholiotina, Pluteus, and Psilocybe.

Native New World cultures have used psilocybin mushrooms in ritual, divinatory, and spiritual contexts. Stone Age rock art depicts them, but they are most famously represented in the pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs in the western hemisphere.

However, it is illegal to possess and use mushrooms nowadays in most parts of the world. And so, the question arises – where do psilocybin mushrooms grow in the wild?

Having said that, here are some areas they may be able to be found.

1. They may be closer than you think!

As a matter of fact an abundance of the psilocybin mushrooms can be found in nature. You might want to start by keeping an eye out in your backyard. Depending on where you live, you can get quite lucky during the right season. Mushrooms are known for their variety of shapes, sizes, and toxicity levels.

You must learn how to identify the different strains that grow in your region. Some produce mild poisoning, whereas others are quite deadly. The differences in appearance can sometimes be minute, but be sure to choose healthy produce.

2. Where do psilocybin mushrooms grow?

You probably know this already but the number one element that each and every fungus needs in order to live is moisture. Without moisture they will die. Other requirements are a specific temperature (which is unique for each species) and fertile soil full of nutrients such as sugar, starch, lignin, fats, protein, and nitrogen.

If there are enough nutrients in tree bark, leaves, dung, mulch or compost, mushrooms will thrive on the surface. They don’t require a dark environment, but the lack of light does help the air keep its moisture. Generally speaking, densely forested areas near big bodies of water provide good conditions, so these are good places to start looking.

Especially cow dung is about as nutritious an environment as it gets – if the humidity is right, you’ll likely spot them growing from it.

3. Where are psilocybin typically located?

Commonly found on the West Coast and northeast in North America are psychedelic mushrooms. They are also lush around the Gulf of Mexico. Mexico itself and most of Central America have a large population of them, as well as the countries of South America. Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, and Argentina are among them.

Hawaii contains a lot of highly pure psilocybin, as do South Africa, the east coast of Australia, South India, the Philippines, and much of Southeast Asia. It’s no secret that these mushrooms are abundant in Europe, as well.

There are likely fresh magic mushrooms growing near you if you like foraging. But, again, it’s important to know the types, their effects and appearance of all mushrooms growing in your area.

There are many online resources you can use to determine the types of mushrooms that are located nearest to you for foraging.

4. How to identify psilocybin mushrooms

In general, mushrooms (edible and non-edible) come in an incredible variety and so do psilocybin mushrooms. There have so far been about 227 accepted and classified species, with 53 growing in Mexico, 22 in the USA and Canada, 19 in Australia and the eastern islands, 16 in Europe, and 15 in Asia. Some of them share the same regions of growth, while others are native to one region.

The only way to really differentiate magic mushrooms from regular ones is to know their appearance, and gain experience in mushroom hunting. They come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, and their appearance cannot be based on one feature alone. This is why it can be so dangerous to hunt for them, if you do not know what you’re doing.

Here are the top five most common species to get you started:

Cubensis and subcubensis

In tropical zones throughout the world, Psilocybe cubensis can be found along with the similar looking Psilocybe subcubensis. The former species of magic mushrooms are much more common, and more well-known, whereas the latter are not as abundant but can grow in the same areas. The “Golden Teacher” is a well-known variety of these psilocybe.

Semilanceata

Psilocybe semilanceata is one of the most widely available psychedelics. If you live in Europe, North or South America, Asia, Australia, or New Zealand, you are likely to be able to obtain it. Their bell-shaped, dark tops also give them the name “Liberty Caps,” and their stems can be slim and wavy.

Cyanescens

Psilocybe cyanescens are best known by their undulating top. For that reason, they’re also known as “Wavy Caps”. This is the most potent magic mushroom in North America, with 1.96% active compound content in dry weight.

Panaeolus or Copelandia cyanescens

Also referred to as “Hawaiian” mushrooms, these aren’t the most distinctive species, with long, slim stems and pale brown to light gray cap. They can also be very strong and can be found all over the world, in the right environment.

Azurescens

Native to the West Coast of the USA, specifically to Oregon and Washington. This magic mushroom species is almost in the top five thanks to its high psilocybin content: it contains up to 1.80%. These shrooms have a slim stem and convex caramel cap with a conical top.

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And there you have it, some of the places psilocybin mushrooms are found in the wild, along with a few of the most popular varieties and their native habitats.

Have you seen any psilocybin around? You’ve probably walked right by them without even knowing it!