North American Psilocybe species

There are about 200 species of psilocybin mushrooms in the world. Most of these fall under the genus Psilocybe, which is pronounced as “sigh-lah-se-bee .”

All Psilocybes contain psilocybin, but not all of the psilocybin mushrooms belong to the genus Psilocybe. Psilocybin mushrooms grow in unusual places, and you can find them in the landscaping around city hall, libraries, police stations, fire stations, and other uncommon spots.

In countries like Mexico, for example, the standard magic mushrooms (Psilocybe cubensis) grow on landslides. The psilocybin content of these mushrooms is used in psychotherapy to treat conditions like depression.

However, many states have declared these psilocybe species illegal for personal use, but as other drugs are decriminalized, the lid is being lifted.

Now, psilocybin is slowly becoming recognized as a positive psychedelic drug, and more research continues to explore its benefits in healthcare.

Magic Mushrooms

Although the psilocybe species are mostly grown indoors, the wild magic mushrooms grown outdoors have loosely spaced gills with a dusty charcoal color and short stems that look dirty. These mushrooms grow at the edge of woods and forests, and they quickly spread in urban environments in the Pacific Northwest.

You cannot just harvest the magic mushrooms anyhow. The process is time-sensitive and depends on the individual development of the mushroom. The harvest window usually lasts up to three days.

When you notice that the shape of the cap has changed to become more convex and the color changes to white, you should know it’s time to harvest.

The edible mushroom varieties normally grow in North America, and there are 11 types, with different scientific names according to their growing season and type.

Apart from the magic mushrooms, here are some good examples of mushrooms grown in North America:

Morels Mushrooms

These mushrooms are the first to appear in the wild during springtime. Black morels are commonly found at the base of an elm, ash, poplar, aspen, cottonwood, or apple tree.

Morels often feed on the dying root system, so you can search for them on decaying trees. The exterior looks like a honeycomb and it is finely ribbed. The interior is white and hollow.

Morels are the most expensive mushrooms found in the wooden areas in North America and in Europe.

Chanterelle mushrooms (Cantharellus cibarius)

The elegant golden Chanterelle mushrooms are often found in the late summer period in North America. They are typically seen in coniferous forests populated with evergreen trees, exposed to long winters. You may find them in beech forests. Just look for clumps of moss, and they are most likely on it.

You can easily identify this mushroom by its golden color and its sturdy gills that run down to the stem. They smell earthy, woody, fruity, and they have a peppery taste.

Fairy Ring Mushrooms (Marasmius oreades)

These mushrooms are found growing on lawns and grass. They are very common in Disney movies and are distributed throughout North America. They typically have a long stem, white or tan cap, and well-spaced gills underneath. The stem of this mushroom is their identifying mark as it is tough and doesn’t come off easily.

The fairy ring mushrooms are harvested in the summer and can grow throughout the year in warm climates.

YYou can buy magic mushrooms and other high-quality mushrooms from – MagicMushrooms. Take your time and browse through our selection of dried shrooms, fresh magic mushrooms, and spores. We are your authentic connection to rare fungi from America to the rest of the world.