How to identify Golden Teacher

To correctly identify Golden Teacher (Psilocybe cubensis), 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.

   The cap is typically 2-8 cm in diameter, starting convex and flattening with age. It is golden brown in color, sometimes with a lighter margin. The surface is smooth and may be slightly sticky when moist.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   The gills are adnate to adnexed, starting grayish and turning dark purple-brown as the spores mature.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is 5-15 cm long and 0.5-1.5 cm thick, whitish to yellowish, and hollow. It bruises blue where handled and has a ring that may disappear with age.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Whitish and bruises blue when handled.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Medium to large in size, with a distinctive golden cap.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Found in subtropical climates, growing on dung and enriched soils.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, may be slightly sticky when moist

Growth Form

Solitary to clustered

Spore Print

Dark purple-brown

Body color

Golden brown cap, whitish stem

Odor

Farinaceous (like flour)

Flesh bruises

Blue

Height

5-15 cm

Cap Diameter

2-8 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to adnexed
• Stem shape: Cylindrical, often curved
• Stem surface: Smooth
• Ring: Present, but may disappear with maturity
• Stem cross-section: Hollow

Explore Golden Teacher