Psilocybe cyanescens, known as the “wavy cap mushroom,” is one of the most common psychedelic mushrooms. It contains 1.68% psilocybin, a psychedelic chemical that produces a powerful, euphoric and reflective experience.
Despite its popularity, psilocybin wavy cap mushrooms are illegal in many parts of the world, and are classified as Schedule 1 drugs under the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances. In the United States, psilocybin mushrooms can be legally consumed in some regions while others ban them entirely.
Wavy cap mushrooms are cold-loving species that prefer a temperate climate and can be found throughout North America and Europe. They grow best in shady areas that have good moisture.
Unlocking the Potential of the Wavy Cap Mushroom: Health Benefits and Medicinal Properties
They grow well in mulched garden beds and are known to flourish near rhododendrons, rose bushes, and azaleas. They also thrive on wood chips such as those used in landscaping.
The cap of a wavy cap mushroom is chestnut brown when young and turns darker with age. It may turn blue on the edges when touched. The gills are crowded and loosely attached to the stem. The spores are smooth and appear as either dark purple or brown.
The stalk of a wavy cap mushroom is narrower at the top and thinner towards the base. It is cylindrical in shape and nearly three-fourths of an inch wide. It can bruise blue if damaged. Bruising is one of the most important characteristics to look for when trying to identify a species. It may take a long time for some mushrooms to bruise blue, but Wavy Caps tend to do so easily and quickly.