How to identify Wavy Caps

To correctly identify Wavy Caps (Psilocybe 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.

   1.5-5 cm broad, wavy or undulating, smooth, hygrophanous, caramel to chestnut brown when moist, fading to pale buff when dry. Often bruising blue-green where damaged.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Adnate to slightly decurrent, close, and initially cream-colored, turning purple-brown with age.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   3-8 cm long, 0.2-0.5 cm thick, whitish to yellowish-brown, bruising blue where handled, smooth, and hollow.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Whitish to light brown, bruising blue when injured.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Small to medium size, with a distinctive wavy cap and blue bruising.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Wood chips, mulch, and woody debris in urban and suburban areas.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth, hygrophanous

Growth Form

Gregarious to cespitose

Spore Print

Dark purple-brown

Body color

Whitish to yellowish-brown

Odor

Farinaceous (like flour)

Flesh bruises

Blue-green

Height

3-8 cm

Cap Diameter

1.5-5 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnate to slightly decurrent
• Stem shape: Cylindrical, often wavy
• Stem surface: Smooth
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Hollow

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