Emily Johnson
Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, commonly known as ovoid mushrooms, are a psilocybin mushroom species native to North America. They are closely related to P. subaeruginascens from Java, P. septentrionalis from Japan, and P. wayanadensis from India. Ovoid mushrooms were first documented by Richard V. Gaines in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in June 2003. The specific epithet refers to the abundant ovoid pleurocystidia and cheilocystidia of this species. The seasonality of ovoid mushrooms varies depending on the region, but in the northeastern US, they are most commonly found in the spring, from mid-April to late June, especially after periods of heavy rain. They are known to grow on woody debris along rivers and streams and in man-made mulch and wood chips in urban and suburban environments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Ovoid, Psychedelic Ovoid Mushroom, River Teacher, Ovids, Ovoids |
| Scientific Name | Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata |
| Type | Psilocybin mushroom |
| Fruiting Season | Spring and early summer |
| Region | Eastern North America, Western North America, Europe |
| Confused With | Psilocybe caerulipes, Psilocybe caeruleorhiza |
| Cap | 1.5–5 cm across, dome-shaped, chestnut or orangish brown to yellowish brown to pearly cream |
| Stem | 3.5 inches tall, off-white with yellow, brown, or blue streaks |
| Gills | White to brown, dark purple when loaded with spores |
| Smell | Like flour, sometimes with a touch of spice |
| Temperature for Indoor Fruiting | 60–65°F |
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What You'll Learn
Fruiting occurs in spring in the northeastern US
Ovoid mushrooms, scientifically known as Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, are native to North America. They are commonly found in the northeastern United States, particularly in the Ohio River Valley and along the eastern seaboard, from Kentucky to Mississippi. In this region, ovoid mushrooms typically fruit during the spring, specifically from mid-April to late June, with a peak in late May.
The fruiting of ovoid mushrooms is strongly associated with specific climatic conditions. In the northeastern US, they are most prevalent after extended periods of heavy rainfall, which is a typical weather pattern in the region during spring. This sensitivity to rainfall is also evident in their propensity to fruit following several consecutive days of rain.
Ovoid mushrooms have a preference for certain ecological niches, which influences their fruiting patterns. They thrive in shady areas, avoiding direct sunlight. This preference leads them to seek out specific habitats, such as rivers and streams, particularly in overflow areas. They are often found alongside Japanese knotweed. Human activities have also contributed to the expansion of their range, as they frequently appear in man-made mulch and wood chips in urban and suburban environments.
The seasonality of ovoid mushrooms can vary depending on their geographic location. While they primarily fruit in the spring in the northeastern US, their range extends beyond this region, and they have been known to appear in new areas. Their fruiting season in other parts of North America may differ due to variations in weather conditions.
Ovoid mushrooms are distinguished by their rhomboid spores, larger stature, and membranous annulus. Their caps, which can grow up to 4.5 cm across, exhibit a range of colours, from chestnut or orangish brown to yellowish brown and even pearly cream as they mature. The stems, on the other hand, are off-white with streaks of yellow, brown, or blue.
Ovoid mushrooms are known for their psychoactive properties, and their expansion into new territories has been facilitated by the movement of wood chips and sawdust, which they use as a growth medium. As a result, they have become more prevalent in urban areas, and their range continues to expand across America and beyond.
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Ovoid mushrooms fruit without freezing
Ovoid mushrooms, scientifically known as Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, are a species of psilocybin mushroom native to North America. They are commonly referred to as ovids, psychedelic ovids, or river teachers. These mushrooms were first documented in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in June 2003.
Ovoid mushrooms have caps that change shape and colour as they mature. In their youth, the caps are typically highly convex (dome-shaped) and dark brown or black, while the stems are white. As they mature, the caps become more subumbonate (flat with a curved bump in the middle) and lighter in colour, ranging from chestnut or orangish brown to yellowish brown to pearly cream. The entire mushroom turns light brown when mature, becoming cinnamon-brown when moist and light beige when dry. The caps can also turn blue and green if injured and tend to exhibit these colours more prominently with age. The gills of ovoid mushrooms are white to brown and appear dark purple when loaded with spores. The stems tend to have a hollow, swollen base, small hairs near the bottom, and are smooth at the top.
Ovoid mushrooms typically fruit in the spring, particularly in the northeastern United States, from mid-April to late June, with a peak in late May. They are often found along rivers and streams, in overflow areas, and in man-made mulch and wood chips in urban and suburban environments. They prefer shady areas and avoid direct sunlight.
While freezing mushrooms can extend their shelf life and reduce food waste, it can also negatively affect their nutrient composition, texture, and flavour. Mushrooms are best used fresh to maximize their texture and flavour. Freezing ovoid mushrooms may not be necessary to induce fruiting, as they are sensitive to the season and primarily fruit in the spring.
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Fruiting occurs indoors after a freeze
Ovoid mushrooms, scientifically known as Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, are native to North America. They are commonly found in the Ohio River valley and along the American east coast, from Kentucky to Mississippi. In recent years, their growth has expanded to western America and parts of Europe.
Ovoid mushrooms typically fruit in the spring, from mid-April to late June, with a peak in late May. This is especially true in the northeastern US, where they are most common after several consecutive days of heavy rainfall. However, ovoids may occasionally fruit as late as November, and their seasonality can vary depending on the region.
When grown indoors, ovoid mushrooms can fruit after a freeze. One cultivator reported success with large trays that had been outdoors and did not fruit before the freeze hit. This suggests that a freezing temperature may trigger fruiting in ovoid mushrooms when grown in controlled environments.
To cultivate ovoid mushrooms indoors, mycologists use techniques such as PF Tek jars with sawdust or wood chips. The temperature range for optimal growth is between 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be achieved using a wine refrigerator. Ovoid mushrooms seem to grow faster on wood than on grain or corn.
It is important to note that ovoid mushrooms are psychedelic and can have potential long-lasting effects on human consciousness. Possession of these mushrooms may be illegal in certain places, and caution should be exercised when handling and consuming them.
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Oviods fruit earlier than Psilocybe caerulipes
Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, commonly known as ovoid, is a psilocybin mushroom native to North America. It is often referred to as the psychedelic ovoid mushroom or river teacher. Ovoids are very sensitive to the season and usually fruit in the spring, especially after several days of heavy rain. In the northeastern US, they are most commonly found from mid-April to late June, with a peak in late May.
Ovoids start fruiting around the same time as yellow morels, and earlier than Psilocybe caerulipes, which fruit after the morel season. Ovoids have been found in a variety of climates and habitats, from open areas with full sun to sheltered areas with ferns and ravines. They tend to prefer shady areas and avoid direct sunlight, often growing in groups of several hundred individuals or multiple small clusters.
The ovoid mushroom was first documented by Richard V. Gaines in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in June 2003. It has a cap that is usually highly convex and dark brown/black when young, with a white stem. As the mushroom matures, it becomes light brown (cinnamon-brown when moist and light beige when dry). The cap size ranges from 1.5 to 5 (8) cm across, and the stipe is 3-9 cm long and 3-15 mm wide.
Ovoids can be distinguished from Psilocybe caerulipes by their rhomboid spores, larger stature, earlier fruiting season, and membranous annulus. They are also similar to Psilocybe caeruleorhiza, which lacks an annulus and fruits in late fall to early winter.
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Oviods are spreading from the US to Europe
Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, commonly known as ovoid mushrooms, are native to North America. They were first documented by Richard V. Gaines in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in June 2003. Ovoids are known to grow in the Pacific Northwest, specifically in wood-chipped areas and mulch, and are common in the Ohio River Valley. They tend to grow in groups of several hundred individuals in one particular area, as well as in multiple small clusters of several mushrooms each, within close proximity to one another. They can also be found alongside Japanese knotweed and typically prefer shady areas, avoiding direct sunlight.
Ovoids are very sensitive to the season and usually fruit in the spring, specifically from mid-April to late June, with a peak in late May. They occasionally fruit as late as November. Fruiting is triggered by a temperature increase with high humidity, and they seem to grow faster on wood than on grain.
With the continued development of non-rural areas and the trading of organic material, mushroom experts predict that ovoids will continue to spread throughout America and beyond. This prediction is supported by the fact that ovoids have already been spotted in western North America, where they can be confused with other Psilocybe species. Given their close relationship with P. subaeruginascens from Java, P. septentrionalis from Japan, and P. wayanadensis from India, it is possible that ovoids could spread to these regions as well.
As international travel and trade increase, the risk of ovoids spreading to Europe becomes a growing concern. While there have been no reported cases of ovoids in Europe yet, it is only a matter of time before they make their way across the Atlantic. The spread of ovoids to Europe could have significant ecological and cultural impacts, as these mushrooms are known to contain psilocybin and psilocin, which can induce mystical experiences and feelings of transcendence, awe, and unity in those who consume them.
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Frequently asked questions
Ovoid mushrooms, or Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, typically fruit in the spring, from mid-April to late June, especially after several days of heavy rain. They may occasionally fruit as late as November, but very little fruiting occurs during other times of the year.
Ovoid mushrooms are also commonly known as "ovoids" or "blue-foot mushrooms", the latter of which they shared with Psilocybe caerulipes before the two species were scientifically separated in 2007.
Ovoid mushrooms can be distinguished from Psilocybe caerulipes by their rhomboid spores, larger stature, earlier fruiting season, and membranous annulus.
