Laura Smith
Mower's mushroom, also known as Panaeolina foenisecii, is a common and widely distributed little brown mushroom found on lawns and grassy areas. It is often referred to as the haymaker or brown hay mushroom. While it is not poisonous, it is considered inedible and may cause sickness if consumed. There is some debate about whether it has psychedelic properties, with some sources claiming it contains serotonin, 5-HTP, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and small amounts of psilocybin, while others state that it does not produce any psychoactive alkaloids.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Panaeolus foenisecii |
| Other Names | Mower's mushroom, lawnmower mushroom, haymaker's panaeolus, haymaker, brown hay mushroom, brown mottlegill |
| Colour | Brown, sometimes with a dark band around the margin which fades as the mushroom dries |
| Size | Cap: 1 to 4 cm across; Stipe: 3 to 8 cm by 1 to 3 mm |
| Shape | Conic to convex, with a widely conical or bell-shaped structure, eventually becoming convex or nearly flat |
| Texture | Fragile, hollow, fibrous, pruinose, slightly striate |
| Taste and Smell | Slightly unpleasant nutty fungal taste and odour |
| Habitat | Lawns, grassy areas, yards, meadows |
| Edibility | Inedible, can cause sickness if eaten |
| Toxicity | Not poisonous, but may cause illness in children |
| Psychoactive Properties | Listed as psychoactive in some field guides due to psilocybin content, but does not produce any psychoactive alkaloids; may have a slight hallucinogenic effect but only in large quantities |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Panaeolus foenisecii is the scientific name for Mower's mushroom
- Mower's mushroom is inedible and may cause sickness
- Mower's mushroom is not poisonous and won't hurt pets
- Mower's mushroom is slightly hallucinogenic but not enough to get high
- Mower's mushroom is saprobic and feeds on dead or decaying organic matter
Panaeolus foenisecii is the scientific name for Mower's mushroom
Panaeolus foenisecii is the scientific name for the Mower's mushroom, also known as the Haymaker's mushroom, Brown Hay mushroom, or Brown Mottlegill. It is a very common, small brown mushroom with a cap that varies in colour from brownish when moist to tannish when dry, often with a dark band around the margin that fades as the mushroom dries. The gills are broad and brown with lighter edges, and the stipe is fragile, hollow, and beige to light brown. This mushroom is frequently found on lawns that are regularly mowed, particularly in Europe and North America.
While some sources claim that Panaeolus foenisecii is non-poisonous and even edible, others maintain that it is inedible and should not be consumed, especially by pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. There are conflicting reports regarding the psychoactivity of this mushroom species. Some sources assert that it contains serotonin, 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), and trace amounts of the hallucinogen psilocybin, which is why it is occasionally listed as a psychoactive species in older literature. However, other sources refute these claims, stating that it does not produce any hallucinogenic effects and that even consuming a large quantity (40g) of the mushroom did not elicit any psychoactive response.
The presence of serotonin and its precursor, 5-HTP, in Panaeolus foenisecii has led to speculation about its potential benefits in dietary supplementation for mood disorders, anxiety, and sleep disorders. However, there is currently no scientific evidence to support the use of this mushroom species for these purposes. Additionally, some sickness following ingestion has been reported.
Panaeolus foenisecii is often mistaken for the similar-looking but psychedelic Panaeolus cinctulus or P. olivaceus, which share the same habitat. This may be why there is confusion about the psychoactivity of Panaeolus foenisecii, as it can be challenging to distinguish between these mushroom species. Nevertheless, it is important to seek expert advice from a mycologist and medical practitioner before consuming any wild mushroom for recreational or medicinal purposes.
Chanterelle Mushrooms: Where Are They Popular?
You may want to see also
Mower's mushroom is inedible and may cause sickness
Mower's mushroom, or Panaeolina foenisecii, is a common variety of little brown mushrooms that are often found on lawns and grassy areas. While they are not poisonous, they are considered inedible and may cause sickness if consumed.
This variety of mushrooms is known by several names, including haymaker's panaeolus, brown hay mushroom, and brown mottlegill. They typically have a cap size of 1 to 4 cm across and a thin stem measuring 3 to 8 cm by 1 to 3 mm. The cap is conic to convex and hygrophanous, meaning its colour varies from brownish when moist to tannish when dry. The gills are broad and brown with lighter edges, and the stipe is fragile, hollow, and fibrous.
Mower's mushrooms are saprobic, meaning they feed on dead or decaying organic matter, including decaying wood found beneath the soil. They are widely distributed and can be found in nutrient-rich soil in yards, lawns, and meadows. They are particularly common in North America and are known to appear in large numbers, sometimes seemingly overnight.
While mower's mushrooms are not poisonous, it is important to note that they are considered inedible and may cause sickness if consumed. There have been reports of children becoming ill after ingesting these mushrooms, and they are generally treated as toxic toadstools. Additionally, some sources indicate the presence of serotonin, 5-HTP, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and psilocybin in these mushrooms. While the psychoactive effects of mower's mushrooms are debated, it is clear that consuming them may lead to unpleasant reactions and potential sickness. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid eating these mushrooms and to treat them as potentially toxic, especially for young children.
Mushroom Containers: How Many Does It Hold?
You may want to see also
Mower's mushroom is not poisonous and won't hurt pets
Mower's mushroom, also known as Panaeolus foenisecii, Panaeolina foenisecii, or the Haymaker, is a common and widely distributed little brown mushroom often found on lawns and grassy areas. While it is not recommended for consumption due to its unpleasant taste and potential to cause sickness, it is important to note that it is not poisonous and will not hurt pets.
Panaeolus foenisecii is known for its small size, with a cap ranging from 1 to 4 cm across and a thin stem. The cap is hygrophanous, meaning its color changes as it loses moisture, ranging from brownish when moist to tannish or even creamy beige when dry. The gills are broad and brown with lighter edges, and the spore print is deep brown or sometimes purplish.
This mushroom is saprobic, feeding on dead or decaying organic matter, and often gathers nutrients from dead wood beneath the soil. It typically grows in nutrient-rich soil and is commonly found on lawns that are regularly mown but not treated with excessive artificial fertilizers or selective herbicides.
While Panaeolus foenisecii is not poisonous, it is important to distinguish it from similar-looking mushrooms that may be toxic. For example, the Banded Mottlegill (Panaeolus cinctulus) is a psychedelic mushroom that shares the same habitat but can be identified by its jet-black spores, darker gills, and reddish-brown band around the edge of the cap. Correct identification of mushrooms is crucial to ensure safety.
In conclusion, Mower's mushroom, or Panaeolus foenisecii, is not poisonous and will not harm pets. However, it is recommended to avoid consuming it due to its unpleasant taste and potential to cause sickness. It is important to be able to distinguish it from similar-looking mushrooms to make informed decisions about its consumption and impact on the lawn ecosystem.
Wild Mushroom Storage: Fridge or Pantry?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Mower's mushroom is slightly hallucinogenic but not enough to get high
Mower's mushroom, also known as Panaeolus foenisecii, is a common and widely distributed little brown mushroom often found on lawns and grassy areas. It is one of the most widespread fungi in North America and is known to appear in large numbers, almost overnight. While it is not poisonous, it is not edible and can cause sickness if ingested.
Mower's mushroom is slightly hallucinogenic due to the presence of psilocybin, a psychoactive compound. However, the amount of psilocybin in these mushrooms is typically too low to induce significant hallucinogenic effects. In other words, you would have to consume a large quantity of these mushrooms to experience any noticeable psychoactive effects.
The level of hallucinogenic potency in Mower's mushrooms is not sufficient to produce a "high" feeling. While they may contain trace amounts of psilocybin, it is present in such small concentrations that it is unlikely to cause any substantial psychoactive effects. Even if a large number of these mushrooms were consumed, the amount of psilocybin ingested may still not be enough to induce a noticeable high.
It is important to note that while Mower's mushrooms may not get you high, they can still cause discomfort and sickness if consumed. In addition, the consumption of any wild mushroom carries inherent risks, as incorrect identification could lead to serious health consequences. Therefore, it is generally advised not to consume mushrooms unless they have been positively identified as safe by a mycology expert.
In summary, Mower's mushrooms are slightly hallucinogenic but do not contain enough psilocybin to induce a high. They are not poisonous and can be beneficial to the soil in lawns. However, they are not recommended for consumption due to their unpleasant taste and the potential for causing sickness.
Mushrooms: Nutrient-Dense Superfood
You may want to see also
Mower's mushroom is saprobic and feeds on dead or decaying organic matter
Mower's mushroom, or Panaeolina foenisecii, is a common and widely distributed little brown mushroom often found on lawns and grassy areas. It is also known as the haymaker or brown hay mushroom. While it is not edible and can cause sickness if ingested, it is not poisonous.
Mower's mushroom is saprobic, meaning it feeds on dead or decaying organic matter. It is often found in nutrient-rich soil and can gather nutrients from dead and decaying wood far beneath the soil. This mushroom typically springs up on lawns that are regularly mown and not treated with artificial fertilizers or selective herbicides.
Panaeolina foenisecii is the type species of the Panaeolina genus, which contains very few species. The specific epithet foenisecii refers to haymaking. This species was first described in 1800 by Christiaan Hendrick Persoon, who named it Agaricus panaeolinia. Over time, it has acquired many synonyms, including Panaeolus foenisecii, commonly known as the mower's mushroom.
While mower's mushroom is not poisonous, it is listed as psychoactive in many field guides due to its psilocybin content. However, it does not produce any psychoactive alkaloids, and consuming a large quantity would be required for any hallucinogenic effects to be felt.
Mushrooms: Safe, Nutritional Superfood for Pregnancy
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Mower's mushroom, also known as Panaeolina foenisecii, is a common, little brown mushroom found on lawns and grassy areas.
While mower's mushroom does contain a tiny amount of psilocybin, it does not contain enough to get you high unless you consume a large number of them.
Mower's mushroom is not edible and can cause sickness if eaten. It is advised that they are treated as toxic toadstools and not gathered for eating.
Mower's mushroom has a small round cap that is 1/4-1 1/2 inch in diameter. The cap is conic to convex, brownish when moist, and tannish when dry. The gills are broad and brown with lighter edges.
