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Psilocybe semilanceata Magic Mushrooms

Psilocybe semilanceata : Background

The first recorded case of the ingestion of the psilocybe semilanceata (Liberty Cap) was in London in 1799. A family had picked some mushrooms in a park for their food. After consuming the mushrooms, their pupils dilated, and they went into a state of delirium.

In 1960, mycologist Albert Hoffman established that the psilocybin components in the mushrooms were responsible.

If you want to dive deeper into the Psilocybe semilanceata/Liberty Cap, be sure to read our article on Psilocybe semilanceata identification.

The Basics of Magic Mushrooms

If you are looking to get up to speed on magic mushrooms, these articles on Frshminds will get you there in no time:

Psilocybe semilanceata : Habitat

Thrive in wetlands and can be found in dunes, grasslands, clay grounds, and old farms. They grow well in lands that have been enriched with artificial fertilizers and horse manure.

Psilocybe semilanceata : Taxonomy/Naming

Genera

Psilocybe

Species Name

semilanceata

Sub Species

Common Name

Psilocybe semilanceata

Psilocybe semilanceata : Physical Description

Pileas

Bell-like, conical-shaped caps. The shape of the caps remains the same throughout the lifetime of the mushroom. The cap margin (edge) is rolled in for the younger liberty caps but unrolls to become straight and in some cases, the margins even roll upwards as the mushroom matures.

Gills

Psilocybe Semilanceata have 15-27 narrow and moderately spaced gills. Each gill is independently and freely attached to the stem. The gills are initially pale brown, but they become darker purple-brown as the mushroom matures.

Spore Print

Reddish, purple-brown in color

Spores

Reddish, purple-brown

Stipe

Yellowish-brownish slender stems that range between 1 3/4″ and 5 1/2″ in height and tend to be thicker at the base.