Wild Species Bluing ✓ Potency: ★★☆☆☆

Psilocybe cinctulus

Common name: Belt Psilocybe

Field Identification

Cap1.5–4cm; broadly convex; dark brown when moist, drying tan to cream; hygrophanous; slight umbo when young
GillsAdnate; pale becoming chocolate-brown to purple-brown
Stem4–8cm; pale brownish; silky; may show partial veil remnants; bluing
Spore PrintDark purple-brown
HabitatCompost-enriched soil, lawns, gardens; common in suburban environments with composted soil or wood chip amendments
DistributionPacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon); also reported in Pacific Maritime Canada
SeasonSeptember–November

Key Identification Feature

Pacific Northwest suburban compost/lawn habitat. Similar to P. stuntzii but without the distinctive ring; similar to P. semilanceata but not grassland habitat. Potency lower than most Pacific Northwest Psilocybe.

⚠ Dangerous Lookalikes

Psilocybe stuntzii (ring present; similar habitat), Galerina marginata (DEADLY — ring; rusty spore print; wood debris), Panaeolus species (different spore color pattern)

Notes

Psilocybe cinctulus is one of several Psilocybe species that have adapted well to disturbed and suburban environments in the Pacific Northwest. Its compost and enriched-soil habitat overlaps significantly with gardening activities, meaning it is commonly reported in vegetable gardens, flower beds, and composted areas. Less frequently documented than P. cyanescens, P. azurescens, or P. semilanceata but regularly encountered by gardeners in its range.

Legal Status Warning Psilocybin-containing mushrooms are controlled substances in most jurisdictions. This guide is for educational purposes only. Wild foraging for psilocybin mushrooms may be illegal in your location. Never consume wild mushrooms without positive identification from an expert mycologist — misidentification can be fatal.

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