How to identify Panaeolus cyanescens

To correctly identify Panaeolus cyanescens (Panaeolus cyanescens), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   Conical to convex, smooth, hygrophanous, and changes color with moisture content. Color ranges from tan to grayish, often with bluish bruising.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Close, adnate to adnexed, grayish when young, turning blackish with age, often mottled.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Cylindrical, brittle, hollow, and smooth. Color is typically yellowish to brownish, bruising blue when handled.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Thin and bruising blue when damaged.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Small to medium-sized mushroom with a distinct cap and stem.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Grows in tropical and subtropical regions, often found in dung or grassy areas.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, hygrophanous

Growth Form

Solitary to scattered

Spore Print

Black

Body color

Tan to grayish

Odor

Farinaceous (like flour)

Flesh bruises

Blue

Height

4-12 cm

Cap Diameter

1-4 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to adnexed
• Stem shape: Equal
• Stem surface: Smooth
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Hollow

Explore Panaeolus cyanescens