Psilocybe allenii: Uncovering the Northwest Gem

Psilocybe allenii, another gem from the Pacific Northwest. With a distinctive caramel-brown cap and pale gills that turn bluish with age, these mushrooms offer a real visual treat. 

It belongs to the Hymenogastraceae family and was discovered and introduced to science in 2012. It’s named after John W. Allen, the researcher who discovered it. Being a part of the Psilocybe mushrooms crew P. allenii comes with psilocin and psilocybin, the powerful active compounds of all magic mushrooms.

Source: Psilocybe allenii Borov., Rockefeller & P.G.Werner

Dive in to discover the structure, habitat, and similar species of this notable member of the  Psilocybe genus.

The structure of Psilocybe allenii

Cap	The caps are 0.6–3.5 in, and range from broadly convex to flattened, sometimes with a slight depression in the center. The cap margin is either straight or slightly curved and sometimes has radial grooves.
Gills	Initially cream to pale gray-brown, but become dark purple as the spores mature.
Stipe	Cylindrical and hollow stipe is typically 1.6–2.8 long, the base slightly thicker. The stipe surface is smooth to silky fibrillose, initially white before yellowing slightly.
Veil	A white partial veil that disappears or sometimes sticks around enough to be colored purplish brown by spores.
Stain	When bruised it stains dark blue.
Spores	Spores are thick-walled with an apical pore, and elongated ellipsoid in face view. Typically, measuring 12.0–12.6–13.1 by 6.8–7.1–7.4 μm.
Spore print	Spore prints are dark brown, sometimes with violet shades
Taste and odor	Similar to freshly ground flour.

Habitat and distribution

These mushrooms thrive on decaying wood, especially wood chips used in gardens. They like to grow in solo, small groups, or sometimes a cluster party on rotting wood. They enjoy hardwood mulches made from oak, eucalyptus, Douglas fir, and alder. 

When temperatures drop, from late September to January, that’s when they decide it’s time to shine. 

Source: Psilocybe allenii Borov., Rockefeller & P.G.Werner

Found in the northwestern part of North America, stretching from British Columbia down to sunny Los Angeles, California. You’ll spot it mostly within about ten miles of the Pacific coastline, but it’s been snagged even 100 miles inland. 

Similar species 

There are a number of Psilocybe species that might look kinda like P. allenii, but you can spot the differences in their looks or where they grow. 

• P. Serbica var. moravica – A bit slimmer than P. Allenii. 
• P. Cyanescens – You can’t tell them apart with a microscope, but it rocks a wavy cap, grows from September to April, and doesn’t have that ring thing on its stipe like P. allenii. 
• P. Azurescens – It has a wider cap, a bumpy umbo, a longer stipe (up to 20 cm), and a similar growing season to P. cyanescens.
• P. Subaeruginosa – This one comes from Australia, but needs more research to be properly compared.

Discovering the enchanting enigma of spores 

Let’s dive into the magical realm of fungi! And discover the intricate details of mushroom spores. No need to wait – you can start your research journey here. Check out Fungushead and discover our awesome lineup of Psilocybe cubensis mushroom spore syringes, swabs, and mixpacks.

Top-Notch Spores	Quality is key for us. Each strain is handpicked from isolated sources for the ultimate genetics.
Pristine Deionized Type 2 Water	Our syringes are filled with super-purified water, acting like a shield against any unwanted visitors.
Viability Check	Our spores get regular check-ups to make sure they’re lively and ready for your exploration.
Ready for ID	Each syringe is a star – it’s labeled with the strain name and even shows you what that strain looks like in full bloom.