The 3 best Psilocybe subaeruginosa Identification Guides
As we move into the Psilocybe subaeruginosa season here in south-eastern Australia, there’s always a dramatic surge in interest in this enigmatic magic mushroom. Over the past few years, psychedelics are increasingly part of mainstream culture and discourse. The recent campaign by Mind Medicine Australia to have psilocybin rescheduled for use in psychedelic therapy has also increased interest in these mushrooms. Correct identification of mushrooms, whether psychedelic or gourmet edible, is paramount for safety. So, I’ve assembled what are, in my opinion, the four best guides with which to educate yourself about Psilocybe subaeruginosa and other Psilocybe species that you may encounter in Australia.
If someone were to go looking for Psilocybe subaeruginosa mushrooms (also known as Golden Tops, P.subs, or just Subs) for whatever reasons it’s vital that the fungi are correctly identified. There are a number of species that look similar to P. subaeruginosa. Some of them will do nothing, others cause serious illness. Some of these lookalikes, such as Galerina species, can be deadly. The understanding the potentially deadly galerina vs psilocybe distinction is vital for any mushroom forager or herm-reduction worker in Australia.
The other reason that educating yourself about these fungi is important, is social in nature. There are small but dedicated mycological and psychedelic communities here in Australia. Members of these communities will help identify mushrooms via groups on Facebook or through forums such as the Shroomery. But they don’t have time to wade through an endless stream of people posting photos of every single little brown mushroom or toadstool they find in autumn, asking if they’ve “found the right thing.” Also, constantly asking to tell you the exact locations of mushroom patches - “where do Psilocybe subaeruginosa grow?” is not going to win you any friends. You might know that you’re a law enforcement officer, or have no intention of undertaking unsustainable harvesting. But people on the internet who’ve never met you will not know this. So always cut online mushroom experts a little slack until they get to know you.
Psilocybe subaeruginosa, copyright: Psychedelic Overground, 2021.
3 Best Psilocybe Subaeruginosa Identification Guides:
Even though I’ve seen Psilocybe mushrooms in both wild and urban settings around Melbourne, and think I could identify them with a good level of accuracy, there are people better suited to write the specific educational resources needed to reduce the risk associated with incorrect mushroom identification.
Psilocybe subaeruginosa: Australia’s Most Famous Magic Mushroom
Not only does this DoubleBlind article give a great overview of P. sub identification, it also goes deep into its history, genetics, and effects. A great place to start if you find scientific jargon difficult or intimidating.
Caine Barlow - An Introduction to Psilocybe subaeruginosa
This YouTube video, narrated by Caine Barlow and made in conjunction with Entheogenesis Australis (EGA) gives a comprehensive overview of the species, including identifying features, habitat and how to spot dangerous lookalikes.
Entheogenesis Australis Reference Guide for Psilocybe subaeruginosa
If you’re looking to get a little more taxonomic, the Entheogenesis Australis Reference Guide for Psilocybe subaeruginosa is for you! Jam packed with notes on habitat, identification, pharmacology and much more, this is an indispensable document for anyone who wants to get serious about psychedelic mushrooms in Australia.
Psilocybe subaeruginosa. Image by Otto_, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
So, that’s my top three Psilocybe subaeruginosa resources. I’d also give an honourable mention to A Brief Guide To Ethical Mushroom Picking, as overharvesting and damaging habitat is a constant problem. Side note: I didn’t set out to favour Caine when writing this - it just so happens he’s the one of the few people in Australia with both the expertise and motivation to create this material. (Sorry Caine!)
You’ll notice that all of these guides have at least some level of specific taxonomic language in them. That’s because identifying mushrooms, whether psychedelic or gourmet, requires observing some pretty specific features of the fungus. If you aren’t prepared to learn about habitats and substrates, reactions such as mushrooms bruising different colours when bruised, using spore prints to determine spore colour, and features such as the colour of mushroom gills and how they attach to the stipe (stem), then maybe identifying mushrooms isn’t for you. But if you can get into learning about fungi identification and ecology, this can lead into a fascinating world that goes far beyond psychedelics.
These guides are all, obviously, for informational and harm-reduction purposes only. Possession of psilocybin mushrooms is currently highly illegal in all Australian states and territories. Psilocybin and psilocin are Schedule 9 substances, making the possession of psilocybin-containing fungi illegal in all states of Australia, with the potential for significant legal issues. Collection of any fungi from private land without permission is trespassing, and the collection of any plant or fungi from publicly owned land (especially national parks) is also illegal, with a fine and criminal record being possible repercussions (on top of the drugs charges.)
A note on safety
Psilocybe subaeruginosa mushrooms are stronger than the Psilocybe cubensis (AKA Cubes) that grow wild on cow and horse dung in the warmer months. All psychedelics deserve careful use and attention to safety considerations of set and setting, and this mushroom is no different.
P. subaeruginosa, like other wood-loving psilocybes (e.g. P. cyanescens) can also occasionally cause a form of temporary muscle paralysis known as “wood-lover’s paralysis.” Wood lovers paralysis is a condition that causes muscular weakness a few hours after consuming magic mushrooms. It got its name because it appears to be caused solely by mushrooms that grow on wood. This has not been observed to be physically dangerous in itself, but can be anxiety-provoking if you’re not aware that it’s a possibility. A great introduction to this phenomenon in Australia can be found here: EGA Microdose Webcast 6: Woodlover Paralysis with Symon Beck and Caine Barlow.
I also want to point out, aside from illegality, that using psychedelics may not be a great idea for everyone, particular when experiencing mental health issues. If you are going to use psychedelics in the context of mental illness, please seek out a therapist who has knowledge and expertise in psychedelic integration, such as someone from Enlighten Mental Health, or from the listings on Psychedelic Support. If you’re in Australia, the Australian Psychedelic Society is another great safety resource, as their volunteers have a wealth of lived experience and community knowledge.
(Totally unrelated, but I’d like to give a shout-out to thank Feedspot for listing me on their 30 Best Psychedelic Blogs and Websites.)
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