Emily Johnson
The season for psychedelic mushrooms varies depending on the region. In the US, the beginning of mushroom season is marked by the damp conditions of fall, with foragers venturing into urban parks, wetlands, and forests in late September and October. In the Northeast and Midwest, psychedelic mushrooms can be found in the springtime, especially after a few days of rain. In Australia, mushrooms are widespread in coniferous woods in autumn, from the end of February to early May. The season for psychedelic mushrooms in any given location is influenced by factors such as rainfall, temperature, and habitat, with some species favouring damp fields or rot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Season | Fall/Autumn |
| Months | September, October, November |
| Conditions | Damp, cool, rain |
| Locations | Urban parks, wetlands, forests, wood chips, mulch, riverbeds, decomposing logs, fields with cow dung, rot |
| Species | Psilocybe, Liberty Caps (Psilocybe semilanceata), Wavy Caps (Psilocybe cyanescens), Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, Psilocybe caerulipes, Gymnopilus luteus, Gymnopilus junonius, Panaeolus cinctulus |
| Colors | Brown, white, golden, dark brown, black, orange |
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What You'll Learn
Psychedelic mushrooms grow in autumn
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, typically grow in the autumn. The season for these fungi begins when the first rains of autumn fall and the mornings are soaked in dew. The combination of humidity, hours of sunlight, wet weather, and warmth encourages the growth of psychedelic mushrooms. Late September and October are prime months for foraging for these mushrooms, especially in places like Washington and Oregon in the United States.
Psychedelic mushrooms are known for their ability to induce hallucinations and altered states of consciousness. They contain psychoactive substances, such as psilocybin, which can cause changes in perception, mood, and thought processes. However, it is important to note that consuming psychedelic mushrooms can be dangerous and is illegal in many places. It is crucial to be able to distinguish between psychedelic mushrooms and other, potentially toxic, mushrooms.
The Psilocybe genus of mushrooms, which includes species such as Liberty Caps (Psilocybe semilanceata) and Wavy Caps (Psilocybe cyanescens), is known for its psychedelic properties. These mushrooms can appear in various forms depending on factors such as variant, age, and moisture content. Typically, fresh Psilocybe mushrooms are brown with a small "nipple" on the cap, but they can range in colour from light brown to almost white, or even golden when drying out. Older mushrooms or those soaked with water can be dark brown or even black due to spore coverage.
Autumn provides the ideal conditions for the proliferation of psychedelic mushrooms. The damp, cool weather of this season, particularly following the hotter, drier summer months, creates an optimal environment for their growth. The recent trend of warm, dry autumns and mild early winters has also extended the mushroom season into November, and sometimes even beyond.
In addition to the Pacific Northwest of the United States, psychedelic mushrooms can be found in various regions across the globe, including cosmopolitan areas, pristine wildernesses, and rural locations. However, certain species have preferred climatic zones where they thrive. For example, species such as Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata and Psilocybe caerulipes are commonly found in "humid continental" zones, such as Vermont, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
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They grow in damp conditions
While there is no fixed start or finish to mushroom foraging, certain times of the year are more favourable for specific mushrooms. In general, mushrooms thrive in damp conditions. For instance, mushrooms in Australia are widespread in coniferous woods in autumn after rain from the end of February to early May.
Damp conditions are a key factor in the growth of mushrooms. Rain, in particular, is a significant contributor to the prevalence of mushrooms, with autumn rain being especially conducive to their growth. While mushrooms can still be found in January and February during mild winters, November has become the prime month for mushroom foraging due to its combination of rain and mild temperatures.
However, when it comes to storing psychedelic mushrooms, damp conditions must be avoided. Fresh mushrooms are susceptible to spoilage and can become mouldy if exposed to moisture. Therefore, it is recommended to store fresh mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator, where they can last for about a week.
For long-term storage, drying the mushrooms is essential to prevent spoilage. Dried mushrooms can be stored in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to maximise their shelf life, which can range from several months to a year or even longer.
To summarise, while damp conditions are favourable for the growth of psychedelic mushrooms, they must be avoided during storage to prevent spoilage. Proper storage methods, such as drying and sealing, are crucial to preserve the potency and safety of psychedelic mushrooms.
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They can be found in urban areas
While the countryside is a mushroom hunter's wonderland, psychedelic mushrooms can also be found in urban areas. In fact, according to Justin Townsend, CEO and Head Facilitator of MycoMeditations, "urban spore bombing is a thing". Townsend explains that "psychedelic activists have been known to fill innocent-looking water bottles with a liquid containing billions of psilocybin spores and then walk around urban environments spraying these spores so that they can grow right under our noses".
Psychedelic mushrooms thrive in damp, cool conditions, making autumn the ideal season for foraging. In the Northern Hemisphere, this means that the best time to hunt for mushrooms in urban areas is between September and October. During this time, you may find psychedelic mushrooms in urban parks, wetlands, and forests.
However, it's important to note that the specific climate and weather conditions of your urban area will also impact the growth of psychedelic mushrooms. For example, in the Northeast and Midwest corridors of the United States, certain species of psychedelic mushrooms, such as Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata and Psilocybe caerulipes, are more commonly found in the springtime, especially after a few days of rain. These species thrive in warmish, humid, and damp conditions and can be found in wood chips, the woody debris of maple, beech, or birch wood, or alongside streams and rivers.
When hunting for psychedelic mushrooms in urban areas, it's crucial to be aware of the legal situation in your region. Collecting larger amounts of psychedelic mushrooms may be considered a crime in some places, and it's important to respect the law and the environment during your foraging activities.
Additionally, it's important to exercise caution when identifying psychedelic mushrooms. Distinguishing them from other, potentially dangerous, mushrooms can be challenging, and consuming the wrong mushroom can have serious health consequences. Proper planning, knowledge, and patience are essential for a safe and successful mushroom hunting experience.
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They can be found in the US Northeast and Midwest
While foraging for mushrooms is not bound by a specific timeframe, as different species thrive throughout the year, there are certain periods when specific mushrooms are more prevalent. These periods are referred to as seasons.
In the US Northeast and Midwest, psychedelic mushrooms can be found in states like Vermont, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, where they thrive in warm and humid conditions. These species, including Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata and Psilocybe caerulipes, are commonly found in the springtime, especially after several rainy days. They grow in environments like wood chips, woody debris from maple, beech, or birch trees, and areas alongside streams and rivers.
In other Northeastern states, such as Massachusetts, different psychedelic mushroom species are more prevalent. These include Gymnopilus luteus, Gymnopilus junonius, and Panaeolus cinctulus. However, the availability of psychedelic mushrooms in these states may be less abundant compared to the previously mentioned regions.
The ideal time to search for magic mushrooms is during autumn, particularly after a hot and dry summer. The damp conditions in autumn provide the perfect environment for their growth, making them more abundant and easier to find. The combination of humidity, sunlight, wet weather, and warmth encourages the emergence of psychedelic mushrooms in various habitats, including urban parks, wetlands, forests, and areas with wood chips, mulch, riverbeds, and decomposing logs.
While psychedelic mushrooms can be found in the US Northeast and Midwest, it is important to note that their growth is influenced by local weather conditions and may vary from year to year. Additionally, it is crucial to have proper knowledge and training before consuming any wild mushrooms to ensure safety and adherence to local laws and regulations.
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They grow until the first snow
The season for psychedelic mushrooms generally begins in the fall, when the first rains descend and the mornings are soaked in dew. The combination of humidity, hours of sunlight, wet weather, and warmth encourages the growth of psychedelic fungi. Typically, the best time to look for psychedelic mushrooms is during the damp, cool season of autumn, as the hotter, drier nature of summer tends to push magic mushroom mycelium into overdrive, causing them to spread their underground networks.
In the United States, psychedelic mushrooms can be found scattered across diverse regions, including cosmopolitan locales, pristine wildernesses, and rural idylls. The Northeast and Midwest corridors of the US also yield psychedelic mushrooms, with Vermont, Ohio, and Pennsylvania being particularly flush with species such as Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata and Psilocybe caerulipes. These mushrooms thrive in warm and humid conditions and are commonly found in the springtime, especially after a few days of rain.
In some years, the mushroom season can begin earlier in the fall due to heavy rains in September. The mushrooms usually grow until the first snow, and sometimes even after that if the snow melts quickly. The recent trend of warm, dry autumns and mild early winters is changing the calendar for mushroom seasons. In mild winters, mushrooms can still be found in January and February, and with the possible exception of March, some mushroom seasons can continue all year.
It is important to note that the growth of psychedelic mushrooms is influenced by various factors, including climate, habitat, and weather conditions. Additionally, the laws regarding mushroom hunting and consumption vary from country to country, so it is essential to be aware of the legal situation in your specific location.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to look for psychedelic mushrooms is during the damp, cool season of autumn, particularly after a few days of rain. In the United States, the season usually begins in late September and October, with foragers venturing into urban parks, wetlands, and forests.
Psychedelic mushrooms include Liberty Caps (Psilocybe semilanceata) and Wavy Caps (Psilocybe cyanescens). Other examples are Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata and Psilocybe caerulipes, which can be found in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States.
Yes, it is important to distinguish between psychedelic mushrooms and other similar-looking, potentially dangerous mushrooms. For example, Galerina marginata, which can be found in the Czech Republic, is extremely toxic and can cause liver failure. It is recommended to learn about the different types of mushrooms and their characteristics before consuming them.
