Liberty Caps are responsible for the first-ever European magic mushroom trip in 1799 when an poor family picking mushrooms in London’s St. James’s Green Park cooked a meal with the fruits of their labors. Not long afterl, the Father and his four children experienced dilated pupils, spontaneous laughter, and vertigo (among other symptoms). 

Later that year, chemist Augustus Brande wrote about the family’s accidental trip in his publication ‘On A Poisonous Species of Agaric in the London Medical and Physical Journal.’

Lab tests have shown semilanceata to suppress the growth of the soil-born water mold Phytophthora cinnamomi (a pathogen that causes root rot)/ This antifungal activity (thanks to phenols) helps it compete with other species for nutrients provided by decaying plant matter. In addition, compound in this strain have been shown to inhibit the growth of MRSA (methicillin-resistant staph). 

Magic mushroom spores

Psilocybe semilanceata mushroom spores, a highly sought after strain for microscopy research. These spores are perfect for those looking to study the unique characteristics of psilocybin mushrooms and gain a deeper understanding of their growth and development. The Magic mushroom strain is known for its fast colonization time, high yield and its reputation as a beginner-friendly strain that produces consistent results.

Our Magic mushroom spores are sourced from the highest quality specimens and are guaranteed to be viable for research purposes. They are sold in 47 states excluding California, Idaho, and Georgia as per legal requirements.

This strain is well-suited for beginners, it is easy to grow and highly resistant to contamination. It is a great choice for those who are new to mushroom cultivation and microscopy research.

Please note that these spores are for microscopy research purposes only and should not be used for cultivation or consumption. Order now and take the first step towards unlocking the secrets of these fascinating fungi.

Psilocybe semilanceata – Specifications

Caps range from 5-25mm wide with a recognizable umbo (nipple) and have coloration from light blue to olive (olive brown when mature, white when dry). These fungi grow 40-70mm tall with a smooth surface and standard-looking gills that drop the classic beautiful purplish spores.

Why doesn’t this mushroom bruise blue?

Liberty Caps do not bruise quite so readily as other Psilocybes but will often show some mild bluing on the base of the stem (hence the name Blue Legs). 

In a typical psychedelic mushroom, psilocin is found in trace amounts and is an unstable molecule that oxidizes quickly. Because Psilocybe semilanceata contain little to no psilocin, it makes sense that they show diminished bluing activity.

Other popular theories suggest that similar to Panaeolus subbalteatus, Liberty Caps have richer pigmentation genetics, ‘covering up’ the bluing reaction.

Potency of Psilocybe semilanceata

Given the tall and thin appearance of semilanceata and the near-absence of the typical bluing reaction seen with Psilocybe, you might think these aren’t very potent when it comes to ‘shrooms. On the contrary, however, this strain is more potent by weight than your average psilocybe cubensis mushroom.

However, potency varies among mushrooms, especially wild specimens. For example, in 1985, Tjakko Stijve and Thom Kuyper found psilocybin at 1.7% and baeocystin at .36%.

In 1993, Gartz reported an average level of 1% psilocybin, while ranging from .2-2.4%. Analyzing specimens from the Pacific Northwest, Michael Beug and Jeremy Bigwood found psilocybin content between .62-1.28%. 

For comparison, Psilocybe cubensis contains psilocin and psilocybin at .14-.42% and .37-1.30%, respectively. 

Psilocybe semilanceata contains substantially more psilocybin than psilocin (psilocybin is more shelf-stable, oxidizing slower than psilocin), meaning that after an extended period of storage in a cool dark environment, this strain could still retain its potency. Of 12 other potent fungi, only three are more potent than semilanceata: baeocystis, bohemica, and azurescens.

Keep in mind that since there is virtually no psilocin in this unique Psilocybe variety, the effects can take substantially longer to kick in. While psilocin is immediately active and can cause effects nearly instantly upon ingestion, psilocybin relies on the liver to undergo metabolism and become the psychoactive compound psilocin. 

If you’ve eaten some of these mushrooms and still aren’t feeling anything, give it a bit more time. In some cases, it could be close to two hours before the full intensity of the experience begins to manifest.

What is Psilocybe semilanceata?

Psilocybe semilanceata is a species of mushroom which contains the psychedelic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. It was first described by renowned Swedish mycologist Elias Magnus Fries back in 1838 and officially classified as a member of the Psilocybe genus by mycologist Jacob Emanuel Lange 98 years later in 1936.

The name “Semilanceata” means “half spear-shaped,” which is a fairly accurate description of the species. While many other Psilocybe mushrooms have a more rounded cap, Psilocybe semilanceata has a cap that comes to a bit of a point, giving it the appearance of a spearhead.

Psilocybe semilanceata mushrooms have a cream-colored cap that typically measures between .2 and .8 inches and a lighter cream-colored stem that ranges from one and a half to four inches. Psilocybin and psilocin content can vary, but P. semilanceata is considered among the most potent Psilocybe mushrooms.

The first psychedelic experiences with P. semilanceata were recorded well before the mushroom species was officially described.

In 1799, a family from London picked some half spear-shaped mushrooms as part of their lunch and wound up taking an unexpected journey through the multi-colored corridors of their late-18th century minds. That’s a weird lunch.

Where do semilanceata mushrooms grow?

As we’ve mentioned, the P. semilanceata species is quite well-known in the UK, and that’s in part due to the fact that they originate in Europe. You can find them growing in the wild in a wide variety of countries throughout the continent, including Germany, England, Switzerland, Finland, France, Hungary, Spain, Ukraine, Turkey, and more.

You can also find P. semilanceata in North America. Like many other psychedelic mushroom species, they make their home in the Pacific Northwest. They can also be found in various parts of Canada, including Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and more.

P. semilanceata enjoy warmth and humidity and will be most abundant in the wild during autumn. They’ll pop up in grasslands and wetlands and often on dunes. Unlike some other psilocybe species, Liberty Caps do not eat wood, so you won’t find them growing in the forest.

Lookalikes of Psilocybe semilanceata

Just like a number of other psilocybe mushroom species, P. semilanceata has some striking similarities to a few other mushroom species in terms of their appearance.

As you may know (and definitely should know), it is absolutely critical to understand the differences between similar-looking species of mushrooms, as there are a ton of different fungi out there that are not only poisonous but potentially deadly.

Below are the mushroom species that look the most like P. semilanceata. Be wary of all of them should you ever choose to go foraging for fungi.

Pholiotina rugosa

This mushroom is perhaps the most important P. Ssmilanceata lookalike to note. Pholiotina rugosa is incredibly toxic, and you do not want to consume it. The biggest distinction between this mushroom species and P. Semilanceata is that Pholiotina Rugosa has an annular zone on its stem.

Conocybe apala

The Conocybe apala, or Milky Conecap mushroom species may not be quite as toxic as Pholiotina rugosa, but it’s still not something that you ever want to consume. Its distinguishing feature to look for is a white stem instead of the cream-colored stem of P. semilanceata.

Psilocybe fimetaria

Now, this may not be the worst lookalike to come across if you’re in the business of foraging for mind-altering fungus. Psilocybe fimetaria is another psychedelic mushroom, only with a slightly more rounded cap than P. semilanceata. It can also be distinguished from its psychedelic cousin by a blue base.

Observing your Psilocybe semilanceata spores

Now that you’ve brushed up on the UK version of the magic mushroom, you’re probably eager to get a closer look at the spores that create them. Fortunately, these premium quality spore syringes from the Psilocybin Circus can help you do exactly that, provided you’ve got the proper equipment.

In order to see these beautiful spores up close and personal, you’ll want a microscope that offers at least 1000x magnification. If all of the ones you’ve come across seem to be out of your price range, consider looking for schools or labs that are selling their old ones, as they tend to part with them for amazingly low prices.

The only other thing you’re going to want is some glass slides, which are very inexpensive.

Keep in mind that as you continue to gain experience with microscopy, you’ll want to revisit these P. semilanceata spores and take them in with a more trained eye. In order to do that, you’ll want to keep them in a cool place so that they stay viable for as long as possible.

Check out our High-quality spore prints for Psilocybe semilanceata

For a P. semilanceata spore sample that’s even longer-lasting, consider our high-quality spore prints.

These spore prints are created in a dust and contaminant-free sterile lab environment and can be used to create your own spore syringes or for your endeavors in the world of microscopic observation. Storage with spore prints is a simpler task, and they can last for years provided they’re properly cared for.