Psilocybe cyanescens
A plain-language profile of Psilocybe cyanescens: its naming history, how researchers describe its spread, measured chemistry and its limits, and why identification cannot be done from a photo.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
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Documented analytical data
Each group below is one study's measurement of the stated specimen or preparation. It is not a typical value for the species or product, varies between specimens, and says nothing about effects or safety. 16 values from 2 sources.
Gotvaldova K, Borovicka J, Hajkova K, Cihlarova P, Rockefeller A, Kuchar M. Extensive Collection of Psychotropic Mush... (10 values)
Source: Gotvaldova K, Borovicka J, Hajkova K, Cihlarova P, Rockefeller A, Kuchar M. Extensive Collection of Psychotropic Mushrooms with Determination of Their Tryptamine Alkaloids. Int J Mol Sci 2022;23:14068. doi:10.3390/ijms232214068. Read 2026-10-22. Laboratory: not stated in the excerpt read (authors Gotvaldova, Kuchar et al.; UHPLC-MS/MS Agilent 1290/6460). Method: UHPLC-MS/MS (Agilent 1290 Infinity + 6460 triple quad, C18), methanol/0.5% acetic acid extraction. Date: not reported in source (as read).
| Specimen or preparation | Analyte | Value | What it is | Sample size and scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psilocybe cyanescens, wild-collected fruiting bodies (as named in source) | aeruginascin | 0.011 mg/g (dry weight (whole fruiting bodies, cap + stipe; dried at no more than about 40 C by collectors)) | lowest value of range (reported) | 13 fruiting bodies / 4 collections. range across 13 fruiting bodies from 4 collection(s) (whole fruiting bodies, individual-specimen values; no mean reported) |
| Psilocybe cyanescens, wild-collected fruiting bodies (as named in source) | aeruginascin | 0.039 mg/g (dry weight (whole fruiting bodies, cap + stipe; dried at no more than about 40 C by collectors)) | highest value of range (reported) | 13 fruiting bodies / 4 collections. range across 13 fruiting bodies from 4 collection(s) (whole fruiting bodies, individual-specimen values; no mean reported) |
| Psilocybe cyanescens, wild-collected fruiting bodies (as named in source) | baeocystin | 0.216 mg/g (dry weight (whole fruiting bodies, cap + stipe; dried at no more than about 40 C by collectors)) | lowest value of range (reported) | 13 fruiting bodies / 4 collections. range across 13 fruiting bodies from 4 collection(s) (whole fruiting bodies, individual-specimen values; no mean reported) |
| Psilocybe cyanescens, wild-collected fruiting bodies (as named in source) | baeocystin | 2.852 mg/g (dry weight (whole fruiting bodies, cap + stipe; dried at no more than about 40 C by collectors)) | highest value of range (reported) | 13 fruiting bodies / 4 collections. range across 13 fruiting bodies from 4 collection(s) (whole fruiting bodies, individual-specimen values; no mean reported) |
| Psilocybe cyanescens, wild-collected fruiting bodies (as named in source) | norbaeocystin | 0.102 mg/g (dry weight (whole fruiting bodies, cap + stipe; dried at no more than about 40 C by collectors)) | lowest value of range (reported) | 13 fruiting bodies / 4 collections. range across 13 fruiting bodies from 4 collection(s) (whole fruiting bodies, individual-specimen values; no mean reported) |
| Psilocybe cyanescens, wild-collected fruiting bodies (as named in source) | norbaeocystin | 0.978 mg/g (dry weight (whole fruiting bodies, cap + stipe; dried at no more than about 40 C by collectors)) | highest value of range (reported) | 13 fruiting bodies / 4 collections. range across 13 fruiting bodies from 4 collection(s) (whole fruiting bodies, individual-specimen values; no mean reported) |
| Psilocybe cyanescens, wild-collected fruiting bodies (as named in source) | psilocin | 0.409 mg/g (dry weight (whole fruiting bodies, cap + stipe; dried at no more than about 40 C by collectors)) | lowest value of range (reported) | 13 fruiting bodies / 4 collections. range across 13 fruiting bodies from 4 collection(s) (whole fruiting bodies, individual-specimen values; no mean reported) |
| Psilocybe cyanescens, wild-collected fruiting bodies (as named in source) | psilocin | 10.018 mg/g (dry weight (whole fruiting bodies, cap + stipe; dried at no more than about 40 C by collectors)) | highest value of range (reported) | 13 fruiting bodies / 4 collections. range across 13 fruiting bodies from 4 collection(s) (whole fruiting bodies, individual-specimen values; no mean reported) |
| Psilocybe cyanescens, wild-collected fruiting bodies (as named in source) | psilocybin | 2.34 mg/g (dry weight (whole fruiting bodies, cap + stipe; dried at no more than about 40 C by collectors)) | lowest value of range (reported) | 13 fruiting bodies / 4 collections. range across 13 fruiting bodies from 4 collection(s) (whole fruiting bodies, individual-specimen values; no mean reported) |
| Psilocybe cyanescens, wild-collected fruiting bodies (as named in source) | psilocybin | 13.808 mg/g (dry weight (whole fruiting bodies, cap + stipe; dried at no more than about 40 C by collectors)) | highest value of range (reported) | 13 fruiting bodies / 4 collections. range across 13 fruiting bodies from 4 collection(s) (whole fruiting bodies, individual-specimen values; no mean reported) |
Windsor C, Kreynes AE, Chilton JS, Chioffi WA, Niebergall C, Dodds K. Development of Psilocybe Mushroom Species Refer... (6 values)
Source: Windsor C, Kreynes AE, Chilton JS, Chioffi WA, Niebergall C, Dodds K. Development of Psilocybe Mushroom Species Reference Material - Cultivation Parameters and Chemical Profiles. J AOAC Int 2025;109(1):37-50. doi:10.1093/jaoacint/qsaf007. Read 2026-10-22. Laboratory: North American Reishi Ltd (Nammex), Gibsons, BC, Canada. Method: HPTLC-densitometry at 273 nm, external calibration. Date: not reported in source.
| Specimen or preparation | Analyte | Value | What it is | Sample size and scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P. cyanescens, indoor-cultivated fruiting bodies from mycelium cultures started from wild-collected material (cap/stem/flush not separated) | psilocin | 0.04 % (w/w) (dry weight) | lowest value of range (reported) | 12. range across N=12 samples |
| P. cyanescens, indoor-cultivated fruiting bodies from mycelium cultures started from wild-collected material (cap/stem/flush not separated) | psilocin | 0.12 % (w/w) (dry weight) | mean (reported) | 12. dataset (N=12); arithmetic mean, SD = 0.09 |
| P. cyanescens, indoor-cultivated fruiting bodies from mycelium cultures started from wild-collected material (cap/stem/flush not separated) | psilocin | 0.29 % (w/w) (dry weight) | highest value of range (reported) | 12. range across N=12 samples |
| P. cyanescens, indoor-cultivated fruiting bodies from mycelium cultures started from wild-collected material (cap/stem/flush not separated) | psilocybin | 0.82 % (w/w) (dry weight) | lowest value of range (reported) | 12. range across N=12 samples |
| P. cyanescens, indoor-cultivated fruiting bodies from mycelium cultures started from wild-collected material (cap/stem/flush not separated) | psilocybin | 1.06 % (w/w) (dry weight) | mean (reported) | 12. dataset (N=12); arithmetic mean, SD = 0.181 |
| P. cyanescens, indoor-cultivated fruiting bodies from mycelium cultures started from wild-collected material (cap/stem/flush not separated) | psilocybin | 1.32 % (w/w) (dry weight) | highest value of range (reported) | 12. range across N=12 samples |
Safety first
If someone has eaten a wild or unknown mushroom, or a child has eaten any mushroom, call US Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 in an emergency. See plant and mushroom poisoning. This page is education only and gives no help finding, identifying or using this fungus.What it is
Psilocybe cyanescens is a fungus in the family Hymenogastraceae. The accepted name is Psilocybe cyanescens Wakef., published in 1946 in the Transactions of the British Mycological Society. [1] The database lists one spelling variant, Psilocybe cyanascens. [2] "Wavy caps" is an informal name; informal names are not a reliable way to tell species apart.The compound psilocybin is covered in the psilocybin guide.
Naming and history
A 2015 paper in Drug Testing and Analysis says E. Wakefield described the species in 1946 from Kew Gardens in London, and that it grows on wood chips and rich compost. [3] The same paper reports that its distribution appears to have expanded in Germany, and possibly other European countries, over about 30 years, and suggests this relates to the increasing use of bark and wood chips. [3] These are the authors' interpretation, not a measured survey.What has been measured
The 2015 paper tabulated psilocybin results for the species from earlier studies, with wide ranges between studies. [3] A 2022 study of museum specimens included this species and reported that psilocybin and psilocin levels were highly variable and decayed over time. [4] A 2026 report that cultivated and analyzed six Psilocybe species including P. cyanescens gives species-level results by one chromatography method, from one lab's cultivars; they are not typical values. [5]Genome work found that P. cyanescens and P. mexicana can make aeruginascin, another tryptamine; what that means for effects in people is not established. [6]
What research shows in people
Label: insufficient evidence. Proper evidence not found for clinical trials of this mushroom. Trials use isolated psilocybin; see psychedelic clinical trials and their limits.Risks
Proper evidence not found for case series specific to this species in the sources we read. General risks of psilocybin mushrooms and the danger of misidentification are described in the Psilocybe cubensis and liberty cap profiles, and in a Danish review that warns of mix-ups with more poisonous fungi. [7]Legal status
Not verified here. See psychedelic legal status by country. Laws change; this is not legal advice.Frequently asked questions
Is Psilocybe cyanescens native to Europe?
A 2015 paper describes it as first described from Kew Gardens in 1946 and as appearing to spread in Germany, but does not settle its origin. [3]
Does it have a standard strength?
No. Reported psilocybin values differ widely between studies. [3][4]
Has it been used in clinical trials?
Proper evidence not found.
References
- GBIF Secretariat. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy record: Psilocybe cyanescens Wakef., accepted. Read 2026-10-22.
- GBIF Secretariat. GBIF synonyms of Psilocybe cyanescens. Read 2026-10-22.
- Gartz J, Wiedemann G. Discovery of a new caerulescent Psilocybe mushroom in Germany: Psilocybe germanica sp.nov. Drug Test Anal 2015. Read 2026-10-22.
- Bradshaw AJ et al. DNA Authentication and Chemical Analysis of Psilocybe Mushrooms Reveal Widespread Misdeterminations in Fungaria and Inconsistencies in Metabolites. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022. Read 2026-10-22.
- Windsor C et al. Development of Psilocybe Mushroom Species Reference Material. J AOAC Int 2026 (erratum 2026). Read 2026-10-22.
- Dörner S et al. Genetic Survey of Psilocybe Natural Products. Chembiochem 2022. Read 2026-10-22.
- Lassen JF et al. Hallucinogenic psilocybine containing mushrooms. Toxins contained in Danish wild mushrooms. Ugeskr Laeger 1990 (Danish; English abstract). Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.