Sarah Brown
North Carolina has seen a surge in interest in the production and wild harvesting of edible and medicinal mushrooms. The state's natural environment, with its high humidity, rainfall, and moderate temperatures, is conducive to outdoor mushroom cultivation, particularly on logs. While there are many edible mushroom species in Western North Carolina, there are also poisonous varieties with dangerous look-alikes. This makes it crucial to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before consuming any wild mushrooms. Psilocybe cubensis, a psychedelic mushroom species, has been reported to grow in the eastern and southern portions of the state, while other psychedelic species like Psilocybe caerulipes are considered rare.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of psychedelic mushrooms found in Western North Carolina | Psilocybe caerulipes, also known as blue-foot |
| Where to find them | In hardwood forested areas, on wood, and near springs and creeks |
| Time of year | Spring through early fall |
| Similarity to dangerous mushrooms | No dangerous look-alikes |
| Edibility | Edible, but not commonly eaten due to its foul smell |
| Other types of mushrooms found in North Carolina | Chanterelles, Chicken of the Wood, Lion's Mane, Morel, Amanita Muscaria, Common Puffball |
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What You'll Learn
- Psilocybe caerulipes, also known as blue-foot, is a rare psychedelic mushroom found in North Carolina
- Active gymnopilus species are common on wood in the fall
- Paneolus cinctus grows in pastures in the spring, mostly on horse poop
- Psilocybe cubensis grows in the eastern and southern portions of the state
- Pluteus americanus grows from late spring through early fall near springs and creeks
Psilocybe caerulipes, also known as blue-foot, is a rare psychedelic mushroom found in North Carolina
Psilocybe caerulipes, also known as blue-foot, is a rare psychedelic mushroom found in North America, including North Carolina. It is a member of the Hymenogastraceae family and contains psilocybin and psilocin as its main active compounds. With a farinaceous taste and a mild odour, this mushroom is often overlooked as just another brown mushroom.
Psilocybe caerulipes grows in deciduous forests on hardwood debris, plant matter, and decaying logs of birch, beech, and maple. Its growing season is from late May through December. The cap of this mushroom is 1-3.5 cm in diameter, starting as obtusely conic and eventually becoming broadly convex or flattened.
This mushroom is not commonly found, despite its wide distribution. It can be solitary or cespitose and is often found in eastern North America, from Nova Scotia down to North Carolina and as far west as Michigan. Psilocybe caerulipes has also been spotted in Mexico, specifically in the states of Hidalgo and Veracruz, where it grows in cloud forests.
While foraging for wild mushrooms in North Carolina can be enjoyable, it is essential to exercise extreme caution. Many poisonous mushrooms resemble edible ones, and consuming them can have dangerous consequences. Some of the poisonous mushrooms found in North Carolina include Amanita Muscaria (Fly Agaric), which has a red cap with white pointed warts and an off-white or yellow stalk, and the Common Puffball (Devil's Snuff Box), which can be poisonous if there is an outline of a mushroom-to-be inside when cut vertically.
North Carolina has seen a growing interest in mushroom cultivation and wild-harvesting, with shiitake and oyster mushrooms being the most popular. Chicken of the Woods, Lion's Mane, and Maitake are also gaining popularity in the region. However, it is crucial to follow safety guidelines and only consume properly identified mushrooms to avoid any potential health risks associated with poisonous species.
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Active gymnopilus species are common on wood in the fall
Western North Carolina is known for its mountains, waterfalls, forests, and wildlife. The state's natural environment, with its high humidity, rainfall, and moderate temperatures, is conducive to the growth of mushrooms. While there is no specific mention of psychedelic mushrooms in Western North Carolina, the state is known for its wild mushrooms, and there are several species that are commonly found in the region.
Among the many species of mushrooms found in North Carolina, the genus Gymnopilus stands out for its active species that are common on wood in the fall. Gymnopilus is a genus of gilled mushrooms within the fungal family Hymenogastraceae, containing over 200 species of rusty-orange-spored mushrooms. Active Gymnopilus species, such as Gymnopilus junonius and Gymnopilus spectabilis, are often found on wood during the fall season.
Gymnopilus junonius, also known as the Spectacular Rustgill mushroom, is a large and colorful wood-rotting species. It occurs in small groups at the bases of dead broad-leaf trees and occasionally conifers, typically from spring through early winter. The cap color of this mushroom can vary, ranging from a beautiful golden hue to deep orange. While it is commonly found in Britain, Ireland, and other parts of the world, it is also present in North America, including the regions where the climate is suitable for its growth, such as Western North Carolina.
Gymnopilus spectabilis, commonly known as Waraitake or Big Laughing Gym, is another active member of the Gymnopilus genus. It is characterized by its orange-tinted, fleshy body and rusty spores. This species can be found throughout North America after the spring rains and before the winter frost. It typically grows on wood in clusters and can cause minor to severe cases of mushroom poisoning if consumed. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution and properly identify mushrooms before consumption.
It is worth noting that the Gymnopilus genus shares similarities with other mushroom genera, such as Armillaria, Omphalotus, Pholiota, and Cortinarius. Beginners may confuse Gymnopilus with Galerina, a genus containing deadly poisonous species. Therefore, when foraging for mushrooms in Western North Carolina, it is crucial to have expert knowledge or seek guidance from experienced mycologists to avoid accidental poisoning.
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Paneolus cinctus grows in pastures in the spring, mostly on horse poop
Panaeolus cinctus, commonly known as the belted panaeolus, banded mottlegill, or subbs, is a very common, widely distributed psychedelic mushroom. It is mildly psychoactive and is referred to as "weed Panaeolus" due to its common occurrence in commercially grown grocery store mushrooms. This mushroom species is known to grow in pastures, particularly in grassy areas, and can be found in soil or dung, with a preference for horse poop.
Panaeolus cinctus is often found in the spring, and its presence in pastures may be more prevalent during this season. While it can be found in various locations, its distribution is not uniform across all regions. For example, in Texas, Panaeolus cinctus was observed growing in grassy areas, with distinct caps and unique growth patterns. Similarly, in California, it is considered the most common psilocybin mushroom, suggesting a higher prevalence in that state.
In Western North Carolina, there is a surging interest in the production and wild-harvesting of edible and medicinal mushrooms. However, specific information about the presence of Panaeolus cinctus in this region is limited. While other mushroom species are mentioned in relation to Western North Carolina, such as Chicken of the Woods and Lion's Mane, there is no direct evidence confirming the presence of Panaeolus cinctus in this particular area.
It is important to note that the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms and their spores is ambiguous in many state and provincial drug laws. Therefore, even if Panaeolus cinctus were present in Western North Carolina, its legal status for consumption or possession may be unclear.
When it comes to identifying and consuming wild mushrooms, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution and conduct careful research. Many poisonous mushrooms have dangerous look-alikes, and proper identification is essential to avoid potential health risks. While Panaeolus cinctus may be sought by some individuals, it is important to prioritize safety and adhere to local regulations when exploring or interacting with any wild mushroom species.
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Psilocybe cubensis grows in the eastern and southern portions of the state
While there is a surging interest in the production and wild-harvesting of edible and medicinal mushrooms in North Carolina, it is important to exercise caution when consuming wild mushrooms as there are many species that have dangerous look-alikes. The two most popular mushrooms cultivated in the state are shiitake and oyster, with chicken of the woods, lion's mane, and maitake also increasing in production.
Psilocybe cubensis, a species of psychedelic mushroom, grows in the eastern and southern portions of North Carolina, typically in pastures. This species is not the only psychedelic mushroom that can be found in the state, with other varieties such as Panaeolus cinctulus and Pluteus americanus also present.
Psilocybe cubensis is just one of the many species of wild mushrooms that can be found in North Carolina. The state's natural environment, with its high humidity, moderate temperatures, and rainfall, provides ideal conditions for the growth of a diverse range of mushrooms.
When it comes to identifying psychedelic mushrooms, it is important to be cautious as many poisonous mushrooms have look-alikes. One way to identify a poisonous mushroom is by its smell, as many give off a very unpleasant, pungent odour. Additionally, any mushroom with red on it can be considered poisonous, and a white spore print is indicative of the poisonous Amanita species.
It is important to note that consuming wild mushrooms without proper identification and expertise can be dangerous and even life-threatening. If you are interested in foraging for mushrooms, it is recommended to seek out expert guidance and refer to reliable sources of information.
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Pluteus americanus grows from late spring through early fall near springs and creeks
North Carolina has seen a surge in interest in the production and wild harvesting of edible and medicinal mushrooms. While there is no specific mention of Pluteus americanus, there are several other species of mushrooms that are commonly found in Western North Carolina. These include Chicken of the Woods, Lion's Mane, Chanterelles, and Morel, among others.
Pluteus americanus, also known as the common "fawn" mushroom, is a North American and Russian psychedelic mushroom that typically grows on hardwoods such as Fraxinus, Acer saccharum, Betula papyrifera, and Populus. It was first discovered in Michigan but has since been found across Eastern North America and may occur in the west. This mushroom usually grows solitary or gregariously and is known for its distinctive smell, which some have likened to ferrets or a fishy musk.
The cap of Pluteus americanus is brown to grey, often with a darker center, and can sometimes stain blue. The gills are crowded, broad, and free, starting as white and turning pink as the mushroom matures. The stipe is white with grayish-green to bluish-green tones and can be slightly swollen at the base. This species grows from late spring through early fall, typically near sources of water such as springs and creeks, as these environments provide the necessary moisture and humidity for its growth.
While Pluteus americanus is a psychedelic mushroom, it is important to note that there are other similar-looking species in the Pluteus genus that are not psychoactive. For example, the Deer Mushroom (Pluteus cervinus) is a common, edible mushroom that grows worldwide, including in North America. It has a dull tannish-brown cap and a whitish or brownish stem, and it is most commonly found in spring and fall near decaying wood.
When foraging for mushrooms in Western North Carolina or elsewhere, it is essential to exercise extreme caution and carefully identify mushrooms before consumption, as many poisonous species closely resemble edible ones.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybe cubensis grows in North Carolina in the eastern and southern portions of the state. There are also woodlovers like Psilocybe caerulipes and Psilocybe caerulescens, but they are pretty rare.
Chicken of the Woods and Lion's Mane are examples of mushrooms found in Western North Carolina.
Many poisonous mushrooms give off a pungent smell, while harmless ones smell like mushrooms. If you are unsure, cut off the stem and place the cap on a piece of paper grill-side down for a few hours. If there is a white spore print, it is poisonous. Mushrooms with red on them can also be considered poisonous.
