Habitats & Shrooms

General Habitat & Growing For Shrooms

Mushrooms typically prefer moist, shady areas with plenty of organic matter in the soil. They can be found in forests, woodlands, meadows, parks and even in urban areas. Some mushrooms grow on the ground, while others grow on wood or other organic debris.

Various Perspectives For The Best Time To Go Get Mushrooms:

Perspective 1:

Autumn is the best time for magic mushroom hunting in the UK. This is because most fungi love the wet, mild conditions in our countryside. The months of September to November are most productive for foraging. You’ll maximise your luck by going out the day after a night of light rain. You may even want to check the same locations more than once as mushrooms can spring up overnight. Dry weather and cold are not conducive to hunting mushrooms. If it’s uncharacteristically hot there’s frost on the ground, don’t bother.

Perspective 2:

Magic mushrooms will be nice and fresh the day after a good rain, and they'll generally be a darker colour with a slimier texture on the cap. However, they change heavily once the sun has been on them for a while or they begin to dry.

The following are some specific examples of habitats where mushrooms can be found growing outside:

Forests and woodlands: Mushrooms are a common sight in forests and woodlands of all types. They can be found growing on the ground, on decaying wood, moss and on fallen leaves.
Meadows and grasslands: Mushrooms can also be found in meadows and grasslands, especially in areas where the soil is moist and fertile.
Parks and gardens: Mushrooms can also be found in parks and gardens, especially in areas where there is a lot of organic matter in the soil.
Urban areas: Mushrooms can even be found in urban areas, such as in parks, parking spaces, and even on pavements.

Mushrooms generally can grow singularly, based or as a multiple. The substrate should have a neutral pH of around 7 for most mushrooms, but some can tolerate a slightly acidic or alkaline substrate.

Resources

Magic Mushroom Map | r/MagicMushroomsUK | GoogleTripSitter |

Specific Shrooms & Their Habitat

This section explains the habitat for specific mushrooms.

Liberty Caps
(Psilocybe Semilanceata)

Liberty Cap Habitat

They are typically found in temperate grasslands, such as pastures, meadows, and lawns. They favor moist, acidic soil and are often found in areas that have been fertilized with sheep or cow dung.

Liberty caps, also known as Psilocybe Semilanceata, are a species of psychedelic fungus that is native to Europe and North America. They are one of the most common psilocybin mushrooms in the UK, and can be found in a variety of habitats, including:

Upland pastures: Liberty caps are most commonly found on upland pastures, especially on hill slopes. They prefer moist, acidic soil with plenty of organic matter.
Lowland meadows: Liberty caps can also be found in lowland meadows, but they are less common in these habitats.
Parks and gardens: Liberty caps can also be found in parks and gardens, but they are less common in these habitats than they are in upland pastures and lowland meadows.

Liberty caps typically fruit in the autumn, from September to November. They are small mushrooms, with a conical or bell-shaped cap that is up to 2.5 cm in diameter. The cap is usually yellow to brown in color, and is covered with radial grooves when moist. The stem is slender and long, and is the same color or slightly lighter than the cap.

Here are some cities in the UK where liberty caps have been found:

London
Birmingham
Manchester
Liverpool
Leeds
Glasgow
Newcastle upon Tyne
Sheffield
Nottingham
Bristol
Leicester
Edinburgh

Wavy Cap
(Psilocybe Cyanescens)

Wavy Cap Habitat

Wavy caps, also known as blueleg brownies (Psilocybe cyanescens), are a type of psilocybin mushroom that is commonly found in the UK. They are saprotrophic, meaning they decompose organic matter, and they typically grow on wood chips and mulch.

Wavy caps can be found in a variety of habitats in the UK, including:

Urban areas: Wavy caps are often found in urban areas, such as in parks, gardens, and parking. They are especially common in areas where there is a lot of wood chip mulch.
Woodlands: Wavy caps can also be found in woodlands, but they are less common than in urban areas.
Meadows and grasslands: Wavy caps can rarely be found in meadows and grasslands, but they are typically only found in areas where there is a lot of organic matter in the soil.

Wavy caps are most likely to be found in the UK during the autumn and winter months, when the weather is cooler and wetter. They are also more likely to be found in areas with high rainfall.

Here are some specific locations in the UK where wavy caps have been reported:

London
Manchester
Liverpool
Birmingham
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Bristol
Brighton
Leeds
Sheffield
Newcastle

Gold Caps
(Psilocybe Cubensis)

Gold Caps Habitat

The habitat for P. cubensis to grow in within the UK is:

Humid grasslands, deciduous forests, parks, streams, fallows or dumps: P. cubensis is a coprophilic fungus, meaning that it grows on dung or manure of herbivorous animals. It can be found in humid grasslands, deciduous forests, parks, streams, fallows or dumps in tropical and subtropical ecosystems.

Warm and humid climate: P. cubensis requires a warm and humid climate to grow and develop effectively. It prefers temperatures above 20°C and humidity above 85%. It can also grow indoors with proper cultivation techniques.

P. cubensis is a relatively large mushroom, with a cap that can reach up to 8 cm in diameter. The cap is initially convex, but it becomes flat or umbonate as it matures. The cap is typically golden brown to yellow in color, and it often has a white ring around the edge. The stem of P. cubensis is typically thick and sturdy, and it is the same color or slightly darker than the cap.

P. cubensis is not very common in the UK, and it may be confused with other species of magic mushrooms, such as P. semilanceata or P. cyanescens. These mushrooms have different characteristics and habitats than P. cubensis. For example, P. semilanceata grows on rich soil in pastures, meadows and parkland, but not on dung. P. cyanescens grows on mulch or wood chips from October to February.

Here are some tips for finding P. cubensis in the UK:

Look for P. cubensis in humid grasslands, deciduous forests, parks, streams, fallows or dumps where herbivorous animals graze or defecate.
Look for P. cubensis in warm and humid areas, especially during the summer and autumn months.
Look for P. cubensis with a golden brown to yellow cap and a thick and sturdy stem.
Look for P. cubensis with a white ring around the edge of the cap.

Cities in the UK where Psilocybe Cubensis has been found:

Liverpool

Birmingham

Cardiff

Glasgow

Autumn Magic
(Psilocybe Strictipes)

Autmn Magic Habitat

The habitat for P. strictipes to grow in within the UK is:

Grassy meadows and lawns: P. strictipes is a grassland fungus, meaning that it grows on rich soil where grasses are abundant. It can be found in grassy meadows and lawns in temperate and subarctic ecosystems.

Cool and moist climate: P. strictipes requires a cool and moist climate to grow and develop effectively. It prefers temperatures between 10°C and 20°C and humidity above 80%. It can also grow indoors with proper cultivation techniques.

P. strictipes is a relatively small mushroom, with a cap that can reach up to 3 cm in diameter. The cap is initially conic, but it becomes campanulate to convex as it matures. The cap is typically brown to grayish brown in color, and it often has a low umbo. The stem of P. strictipes is typically thin and fragile, and it is the same color or slightly lighter than the cap.

P. strictipes is not very common in the UK, and it may be confused with other species of magic mushrooms, such as P. semilanceata or P. fimetaria. These mushrooms have different characteristics and habitats than P. strictipes. For example, P. semilanceata has a distinct nipple-like protrusion on the cap, while P. fimetaria grows on decaying wood or plant debris.

Here are some tips for finding P. strictipes in the UK:

Look for P. strictipes in grassy meadows and lawns where the soil is rich and fertile.
Look for P. strictipes in cool and moist areas, especially during the spring and autumn months.
Look for P. strictipes with a brown to grayish brown cap and a thin and fragile stem.
Look for P. strictipes with a low umbo on the cap.

Cities in the UK where Psilocybe Strictipes has been found:

London
Edinburgh
Bristol
Norwich

Brown Mottlegill
(Psilocybe Fimetaria)

Brown Mottlegill Habitat

Psilocybe Fimetaria, also known as the brown mottlegill, is a psilocybin mushroom that grows in the UK. It is a relatively small mushroom, with a cap that is typically 1-3 cm in diameter and a stem that is 2-5 cm tall. The cap is brown or gray-brown in color, with a lighter center and darker margins. The stem is whitish or pale brown, and the gills are cream or pale brown.

Psilocybe fimetaria is found growing solitary to gregariously on horse or cow dung, in grassy areas. It is most commonly found in the autumn months, from September to November.

The following are some specific places in the UK where Psilocybe fimetaria has been found growing:

Meadows
Pastures
Field edges
Roadside verges
Woodland clearings
Parkland
Gardens

When searching for Psilocybe fimetaria, it is important to be aware that it is a relatively rare mushroom. It is also important to be able to identify it correctly, as there are other poisonous mushrooms that can look similar.

Psilocybe Fimetaria has been found in a number of cities in the UK, including:

London
Birmingham
Manchester
Leeds
Liverpool
Glasgow
Edinburgh
Bristol
Newcastle
Sheffield
Nottingham
Southampton

Purple Oyster
(Gymnopilus Purpuratus)

Purple Oyster Habitat

Gymnopilus purpuratus is a species of agaric fungus in the family Hymenogastraceae. It grows in clusters on dead wood, tree stumps and wood chip mulch. It is widely distributed and has been recorded in Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, the UK and Germany. It has a rusty orange spore print and contains the hallucinogen psilocybin.

Gymnopilus purpuratus grows in a variety of habitats, including:

Dead wood: Gymnopilus purpuratus is most commonly found on dead wood, such as logs, branches and stumps.
Wood chip mulch: Gymnopilus purpuratus can also be found on wood chip mulch, especially in gardens and parks.
Pig dung: Gymnopilus purpuratus can also be found on pig dung, but it is less common in this habitat.

Gymnopilus purpuratus typically grows in clusters, but it can also be found as solitary mushrooms. It is most common in the autumn, but it can be found throughout the year in some areas.

If you are looking for Gymnopilus purpuratus in the UK, you should look for it on dead wood and wood chip mulch. Be aware that it is a relatively rare mushroom, so it may take some time to find.

Gymnopilus purpuratus has been recorded in the following cities in the UK:

London
Manchester
Birmingham
Glasgow
Liverpool
Leeds
Edinburgh
Newcastle upon Tyne
Sheffield
Bristol
Southampton
Nottingham

Symbiotic Relationships - Specific Mushrooms

Here are some plants / organic matters that psilocybin mushrooms usually have a symbiotic relationship with:

Liberty Caps (Psilocybe Semilanceata)

Grasses: Liberty caps are typically found growing in grassy areas, such as meadows, pastures, and field edges. They can also be found growing in parkland and gardens.

Mosses: Liberty caps can also be found growing in mossy areas, such as along woodland paths and in damp meadows. Moss Liberty Caps are commonly found in, include: Brachythecium albicans, B. mutabulum, Campylopus introflexus, Ceratodon purpureus, Dicranum scoparium, Eurhynchium hians, E. praelongum, E. speciosum, Rhacomitrium canescens, Pohlia species or Polytrichum piliferum. Learn More About Liberty Cap Mosses ➜

Moleskin (Inocybe geophylla) - Liberty caps are sometimes found growing in association with moleskin, which is another species of psilocybin mushroom.

Wavy Cap (Psilocybe Cyanescens)

Wood: Wavy caps are typically found growing on wood, such as fallen logs, stumps, and wood chips. They can also be found growing in grassy areas and on dung.

Leaves: Wavy caps can also be found growing on leaves, especially in areas where there is a lot of leaf litter on the ground.

Gold Caps (Psilocybe Cubensis)

Grasses: These are the most common plants that are eaten by grazing animals, and they can provide a rich source of carbohydrates and nitrogen for the mushroom. Grasses also have a high water content, which helps to maintain the moisture level of the substrate.

Grains: These are the seeds of grasses or other plants that are cultivated for food or animal feed. They are often rich in starch and protein, which can support the growth of P. cubensis. Some examples of grains are wheat, barley, oats, rice, corn, and rye.

Coffee: This is a plant that produces seeds that are roasted and ground to make a popular beverage. Coffee grounds are a by-product of this process, and they can be used as a substrate for P. cubensis cultivation. Coffee grounds have a high nitrogen content, which can enhance the yield and potency of the mushroom.

Autumn Magic (Psilocybe Strictipes)

Grasses:

Lolium perenne: Also known as perennial ryegrass, this grass is widely cultivated as a pasture and forage crop. It may provide nutrients and protection to Psilocybe strictipes. Found in UK.

Poa pratensis: Also known as Kentucky bluegrass, this grass is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It is commonly used for lawns, golf courses, and sports fields. It may also have a mutualistic association with Psilocybe strictipes. Found in UK.

Brown Mottlegill (Psilocybe Fimetaria)

Dung: Psilocybe fimetaria is typically found growing on dung, such as cow and horse dung. It can also be found growing on sheep and rabbit dung.

Straw: Psilocybe fimetaria can also be found growing on straw, especially in areas where straw has been used as mulch or bedding for animals.

Purple Oyster (Gymnopilus Purpuratus)

Wood: Gymnopilus purpuratus is typically found growing on wood, such as fallen logs and stumps. It can also be found growing on leaves and other organic debris.

Symbiotic Relationships - Plants

There are many plants that can grow side by side with mushrooms, depending on the type of mushroom and the environmental conditions. Some plants may benefit from the presence of mushrooms, as they can form symbiotic relationships with the fungi and exchange nutrients and water. Other plants may be unaffected or even harmed by the mushrooms, especially if they are parasitic or compete for resources. Here are some plants that can grow with mushrooms:

Thistles: Thistles are a sign of ground acidity, which is favourable for some mushrooms, such as morels, chanterelles, and boletes. Thistles are also resistant to herbivores and can provide shelter for mushrooms from animals and weather.
Asparagus: Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that can grow well with morel mushrooms, which are highly prized for their flavour and texture. Morels tend to fruit in the spring, when asparagus is also harvested, so they can share the same bed and season.
Corn: Corn is a crop that can grow with wine cap mushrooms, also known as king stropharia or garden giant. Wine cap mushrooms are edible and delicious, and can be planted in wood chip beds under corn plants. They can help suppress weeds, retain moisture, and improve soil fertility.
Elder: Elder is a shrub or small tree that can grow with jelly ear mushrooms, also known as wood ear or Judas' ear. Jelly ear mushrooms are edible and have a crunchy texture. They grow on dead wood, particularly elder branches, and can be harvested throughout the year.

Summary

Liberty Caps (Psilocybe semilanceata): These mushrooms often grow in association with mosses. They may also be found near grasses such as Agrostis capillaris, Festuca rubra and Lolium perenne.
Wavy Cap (Psilocybe cyanescens): This mushroom grows on wood chips or mulch, often in landscaped areas or parks. It may also be found near rose bushes or other woody plants.
Gold Caps (Psilocybe Cubensis): This mushroom grows on dung in grassland, usually in tropical and subtropical regions. It may be found in the United States, Central and South America, the West Indies, Mexico, and Southeast Asia. It is the most common psychedelic mushroom species due to its wide distribution and ease of cultivation.
Autumn Magic (Psilocybe Strictipes): This mushroom grows in late summer to autumn on gardens and grassy fields, usually in temperate or boreal regions. It may be found in Chile, Europe, Siberia, and the Pacific Northwest. It does not grow directly on dung, but may be associated with herbivorous animals that graze on the grass.
Brown Mottlegill (Psilocybe Fimetaria): This mushroom grows on horse or cow dung in grassy areas with rich soils. It may also be found on decaying wood or in areas with high humidity.
Purple Oyster (Gymnopilus Purpuratus): This mushroom grows in clusters on dead wood, pig dung and wood chip mulch. It is widely distributed and has been recorded in Argentina, Australia, Chile, the UK and Germany.

To Do: New page for images of grasses and mosses identified to be symbiotic with certain psilocybin plants

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Habitats & Shrooms

General Habitat & Growing For Shrooms

Resources

Specific Shrooms & Their Habitat

Liberty Caps (Psilocybe Semilanceata)

Liberty Cap Habitat

Wavy Cap(Psilocybe Cyanescens)

Wavy Cap Habitat

Gold Caps(Psilocybe Cubensis)

Gold Caps Habitat

Autumn Magic(Psilocybe Strictipes)

Autmn Magic Habitat

Brown Mottlegill(Psilocybe Fimetaria)

Brown Mottlegill Habitat

Purple Oyster(Gymnopilus Purpuratus)

Purple Oyster Habitat

Symbiotic Relationships - Specific Mushrooms

Liberty Caps (Psilocybe Semilanceata)

Wavy Cap (Psilocybe Cyanescens)

Gold Caps (Psilocybe Cubensis)

Autumn Magic (Psilocybe Strictipes)

Brown Mottlegill (Psilocybe Fimetaria)

Purple Oyster (Gymnopilus Purpuratus)

Symbiotic Relationships - Plants

Summary

Liberty Caps
(Psilocybe Semilanceata)

Wavy Cap
(Psilocybe Cyanescens)

Gold Caps
(Psilocybe Cubensis)

Autumn Magic
(Psilocybe Strictipes)

Brown Mottlegill
(Psilocybe Fimetaria)

Purple Oyster
(Gymnopilus Purpuratus)