In a typical conversation regarding psychedelic mushrooms, the mushrooms in question are most likely going to be of the Psilocybe Cubensis variety.

But there are actually a number of other varieties of mushroom containing psilocybin and psilocin, which don’t just make for interesting conversation; they make for fascinating microscopy research. One of the most fascinating among them is Psilocybe Azurescens.

Where do Psilocybe azurescens grow?

Azurescens, a cold-weather mushroom native to the Pacific Northwest but grows throughout Europe – typically on decomposing hardwoods (especially Alder), mostly during fall months. Azurescens also grow attached to seagrass along the shores in Oregon and Washington (seagrass is rich in tryptamine compounds that benefit the mushroom).

Azurescens grow happily in mulched garden beds and love open shady areas with balanced moisture and deciduous trees. They’ve been known to grow next to rose bushes, azaleas, and rhododendrons – as well as among thickets of Scotch Broom and blackberry.

This is relatively standard with wood lovers like cyanescens and subaeruginosa) which are known to do well in urban habitats. Azurescens can grow on various plant/wood-derived substrates, cardboard, and burlap. 

In the wild, azurescens favor the land adjacent to the shoreline in coastal dunes, especially inside patches of the coastal grass Ammophila maritima and woody debris washed down the river. They grow inland on deciduous wood chips, sandy soils, or some other types of debris and can grow individually or in tight clusters. These fungi develop a highly rigorous underground mycelial network that holds on tightly to its colonized substrate.

The fruiting season begins with cooler weather in the latter part of September. So it goes until early January, according to Stamets in his book ‘Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World.’ These temperate wood-loving Psilocybes can withstand chilly temperatures of around -4°C (25°F).

Psilocybe azurescens – Specifications

The cap ranges from 3 to 10cm in diameter and expands to broadly convex (eventually flat) with maturity with a pronounced and recognizable umbo (pointy tip). The caps have a smooth surface, are viscous when moist, and are chestnut to caramel in color (sometimes becoming pitted with bluish-black areas and fading to a straw color when dry); bruises blue when handled. Spores are purplish black (typical for Psilocybes), and this strain tastes exceptionally bitter. Height ranges from 9-20cm, and stems are hollow when mature and filled with cartilage-like tissue. Additionally, the stem will often be thicker closer to the bottom and sports tufts of bluish mycelium – stunning.  

History of Psilocybe azurescens

While Psilocybe cubensis are generally considered easy for mycologists of all skill levels (and made famous by Terence McKenna and his ‘five grams in total darkness’ experience recommendation), azurescens are a bit different, highly potent, and more challenging in all regards.

This strain goes by many names – Azzies, Astoriensis, Flying Saucers, Blue Runners, Blue Angels, or Indigo Psilocybe. Azurescens are pretty distinctive in appearance once you know what you’re looking for – especially with its pronounced umbo. However, azurescens can look like any other LBM (little brown mushroom) growing in the wild for the inexperienced. The general advice is to know the features of the species you are looking for and the ones you are not. For example, members of the genus Galerina can be deadly, and many other lookalikes can be poisonous.

These potent fungi were first discovered In 1979 by a group of Boy Scouts camping near the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon. Many speculate that azurescens was known before this official discovery, with locals referring to them as astoriensis. In 1995, Paul Stamets and Jochen Gartz formally described and dubbed Psilocybe azurescens after Paul’s son Azureus (who had been named after Azure, describing the color that magic mushrooms turn when handled).  

Azurescens grow wild on a small part of the west coast (primarily Oregon) near the Columbia River delta. They have also been spotted in California, Washington, and British Columbia, with some enthusiasts intentionally spreading them further abroad. Their small, localized distribution has spurred a debate about whether or not they are native to the area; some experts have suggested that they may have been introduced from debris from old-growth forests washed down the Columbia River and deposited on the banks. 

Azurescens Potency

These are not your Grandma’s Psilocybes – tread with caution. As little as one dry gram (as little as 2-3 dried mushrooms) could be a potent dose. However, it’s estimated that, on average, azurescens are 2-3x or more the potency of typical cubensis. This strain’s strength makes it ideal for microdosing regimens, as you need only minute amounts to produce the desired results. 

While cubensis has psilocybin/psilocin levels between .14-.42%/.37-1.3%, azurescens contain ~ 1.78%/.38% (according to Stamets and Gartz). Azurescens are heavy on psilocybin, and as this alkaloid degrades more slowly than psilocin, this strain has a much longer shelf life. In addition, the effects will take a little longer than normal to kick into full force after ingestion (psilocybin must be metabolized into psilocin before becoming psychoactive).

Explore high quality spore prints

For the mycology enthusiast looking for a longer-lasting spore sample, Psilocybin Circus offers top-quality Psilocybe Azurescens mushroom spore prints. These premium quality spore samples will provide you with hours upon hours of microscopic observation.

All of our spore prints are created in a dust- and contaminant-free sterile environment, which helps to ensure that the product you’re receiving is of the best possible quality. You can use these prints to create your own spore syringes, or you can slide them beneath the microscope and take a closer look.

Store them in a cool, dry place, and you’ll be able to return to these spore prints for years to come as your eye for the intricacies of this amazing lifeform becomes more advanced.

Mycology fans: you will never get a better look at the Psilocybe Azurescens mushroom spores than with these prints.