Magic mushrooms, commonly known as shrooms, can be found in a number of different habitats and climates. You will probably be able to find some type of magic mushroom in your region, you simply need to know what to look out for. Let’s take a look.

Magic mushrooms are a type of fungi, and fungi can grow in many different climates. Generally speaking, magic mushrooms are most likely to be found in grassland, woodland, gardens, dung deposits and disturbed areas. There are many different species of magic mushrooms with psychedelic properties, so let’s break them down by region to give you a better idea of where they can be found.

Tropical and Sub-Tropical Magic Mushroom Species

• P. cubensis – Dung loving mushrooms that can be found in most areas around the globe. Originally from India, they have been introduced to other climates such as the Americas. This type of mushroom tends to be seen growing in cattle dung but has also been found in both elephant and horse dung.
• P. tampanensis (Magic Truffles, Philosopher’s Stone)
• Panaeolus cyanescens (Blue Meanies), often commonly known as Copelandia cyanescens – Dung loving mushrooms that grow in pasture in areas where the grass is breaking down and decomposing.
• P. caerulescens (Landslide Mushrooms)
• P. mexicana (Teonanacatl, Pajaritos) – you may have heard of these from the “Teachings of Don Juan by Carlos Casteneda.

Temperate Magic Mushroom Species

• P. semilanceata (Liberty caps) – this species is most commonly found in Europe but has also made its way to North America, Canada and Tasmania. It produces fruit in the fall and spring, and this is when it is easiest to find.
• P. ovoideocystidiata
• Psilocybe caerulipes (Blue Foot Mushroom)
• P. alutacea (Poo Meanie)
• P. azurescens (Flying Saucers) – Can be found in woodland and gardens.
• P. alleni
• P. stuntzii (Blue Ringer Mushroom, Stuntz Blue Legs)
• P. cyanescens (Wavy Caps) – Can be found in woodland and gardens.
• P. subaeruginosa (Subs) – Can be found in woodland and gardens.

When thinking about the types of magic mushrooms growing in each area, there are three main varieties. Saprophytic mushrooms are ones that grow on organic l, plant-based materials such as wood, coprophilous mushrooms appear from animal dung, and houmous grows from plant matter that has been dissolved that looks like soil.  The type that grows from animal dung does this usually through the poo of a herbivore as they have digested plant and organic matter, breaking it down and leaving a substance called cellulose which promotes the mushroom growth.

No matter the type of shroom, one key factor that unites them all is their need for moisture to grow. Dry air can kill them, so if you are looking in a dry, warm climate, you are unlikely to find any mushrooms. Mushrooms need wet, fertile soil to thrive and must be in an organic environment.

Some people really enjoy hunting for magic mushrooms, as they feel at one with nature and enjoy the forage. Once you have found mushrooms, it is important to use a comprehensive guide to check that they are safe to consume. It does, however, help if you know where to look – happy hunting!