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Panaeolus is a genus of small, thin-stemmed, black-spored agarics that typically grow on dung. The caps are usually bell-shaped and smooth, often with a mottled appearance when dry. The gills are adnate to adnexed and often have a grayish or mottled appearance due to the uneven maturation of the spores. The stems are typically slender and brittle.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically bell-shaped, smooth, and ranges in color from tan to brown. It often has a mottled appearance when dry.
- Gills
- The gills are adnate to adnexed, close, and have a grayish or mottled appearance due to uneven spore maturation.
- Stem
- The stem is slender, brittle, and typically has a smooth surface.
- Flesh
- Thin and fragile.
- Fruiting body
- Small to medium-sized with a bell-shaped cap and slender stem.
- Habitat
- Grows on dung or in grassy areas enriched with manure.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth
- Growth Form: Gregarious
- Spore Print: Black
- Body color: Tan to brown
- Odor: Faint or farinaceous
- Flesh bruises: No bruising reaction
- Height: 3-8 cm
- Cap Diameter: 1-4 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic
Toxic
Severe ToxicitySome species of Panaeolus contain psilocybin and psilocin, which are psychoactive compounds. Ingestion can lead to altered perception, hallucinations, and other neurological effects. Other species are non-toxic, but proper identification is crucial to avoid accidental ingestion of psychoactive species.
Quick Check
- Odor: Faint or farinaceous
- Fruiting: Grows on dung or in grassy areas enriched with manure.
- Substrate: Dung or enriched soil
Where to Find
Grasslands
Fields and pastures where livestock graze.
Compost piles
Areas with rich, decaying organic matter.
Finding Tips
After Rain
Look for them after periods of rain when conditions are moist.
Animal Habitats
Check areas where livestock or other animals have been present.
Similar Species
Panaeolina foenisecii
mushroom
Also known as: Haymaker
Panaeolus cyanescens
mushroom
Also known as: Blue Meanies
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Bolbitiaceae
- Genus
- Panaeolus
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