How to identify Panaeolus cyanescens
As a rather regular-looking mushroom, it can be easy to mistake P. cyanescens for other mushroom species, especially those belonging to the Panaeolus genus. For example, Panaeolus antillarum, a non-psychedelic mushroom, is often mistaken for P. cyanescens and was once thought to be the same species.
Based on identifier observations recorded on the mushroom foraging database iNaturalist, here’s a list of features you can use to identify P. cyanescens:
Caps
P. cyanescens has caps that are 1.5 to 4 cm wide across and convex (dome-shaped). Young caps are light brown, and mature caps are off-white or light gray, sometimes with yellow or brown tones.
When damaged, the caps may turn blue or green, possibly explaining the name “blue meanies.” The caps may also change color as the mushroom tissue absorbs and loses water.
Gills
The gills (papery ribs underneath a mushroom cap) of P. cyanescens have white edges. They are initially gray in color but become black as the mushrooms mature.
The spore print on the gills appears as irregular blotches, and the gills are broadly attached to the stem, otherwise known as adnate attachment.
Stipe/ Stem
P. cyanescens stems are around 2-3 mm thick, 7-12 cm long and enlarged at the base.
The stems are the same color as the caps, also turning blue when bruised, but unlike the caps, they may have a white frost-like cover.
Edibility
P. cyanescens has been described as having a farinaceous (starchy) odor and texture.
Although this feature is categorized as edibility, we strictly recommend you don’t eat any mushrooms for identification purposes, as ingesting the incorrect species could have fatal consequences.
Foraging word of warning
Magic mushroom foraging can be a great way to connect with nature, and striking lucky, you may come across an abundance of mushrooms of your choice.
However, misidentifying mushrooms is a huge risk. In the case of P. cyanescens, the mushroom can be easily mistaken for Pholiotina rugosa, a similar-looking species which contains deadly amatoxins, and Galerina marginata, another look-alike which could also be fatal if accidentally eaten.
For this reason, if it’s your first time foraging, we recommend going with experienced others and ensuring you do lots of research about identifying your mushroom of choice beforehand.
If you’re looking to acquire Panaeolus cyanescens but don’t want the risk of foraging, you could consider growing your own. Growing mushrooms is not only much safer than foraging but since mushroom grow kits work in all countries and weathers, you won’t be limited to geographical location or season. We have a section about how to grow P. cyanescens below.
