Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World: An Identification Guide

by Paul Stamets, Andrew Weil (Foreword)

From the author of GROWING GOURMET AND MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS comes the only identification guide exclusively devoted to the world's psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Detailed descriptions and color photographs for over 100 species are provided, as well as an exploration of their long-standing (and often religious) use by ancient peoples and their continued significance to modern-day culture. Some of the species included have just been discovered in the past year or two, and still others have never before been photographed in their natural habitats.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Drugs, Nature, Reference, Psychology, Spirituality

245 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1996

About the author

Stamets is on the editorial board of The International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, and is an advisor to the Program for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona Medical School, Tucson, Arizona. He is active in researching the medicinal properties of mushrooms,[2] and is involved in two NIH-funded clinical studies on cancer and HIV treatments using mushrooms as adjunct therapies. Having filed numerous patents on the antiviral, pesticidal, and remediative properties of mushroom mycelia, his work has been called pioneering and visionary.[3] A strong advocate of preserving biodiversity, Stamets supports research into the role of mushrooms for ecological restoration.

The author of numerous books and papers on the subject of mushroom identification and cultivation, Stamets has discovered four new species of mushrooms. He is an advocate of the permaculture system of growing, and considers fungiculture a valuable but underutilized aspect of permaculture. He is also a leading researcher into the use of mushrooms in bioremediation, processes he terms mycoremediation and mycofiltration.

Stamets was the recipient of the "Bioneers Award" from The Collective Heritage Institute in 1998,[4] as well as the "Founder of a New Northwest Award" from the Pacific Rim Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils in 1999. He was also named one of Utne Reader's "50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World" in their November–December 2008 issue. In February 2010, Paul received the President's Award from the Society for Ecological Restoration: Northwest Chapter, in recognition of his contributions to Ecological Restoration. His work was featured in the documentary film The 11th Hour.[5] He has also been featured in the eco-documentary films Dirt (film)[6] and 2012, Time for a Change (film).[7]

In 2008, he delivered a TED talk: "Paul Stamets on 6 Ways Mushrooms Can Save the World".

Reviews

[ar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello Mr.FBI I just bought this book so I could know exactly which mushrooms to stay very far away from

[Owlseyes]

UPDATES:

I've found these articles interesting

http://www.scientificamerican.com/art...

"Magic Mushrooms Create a Hyperconnected Brain"

in: http://www.livescience.com/48502-magi...

http://mic.com/articles/102724/scient...

http://mic.com/articles/89829/scienti...

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2...




I've just listened to his life-changing story.

Stamets was around 19 and had bought $20 of mushrooms. He thought the whole bag was one "dose". It was summer and the views of the Midwest were great. While he walked, he kept on eating the mushrooms; he climbed an oak tree to enjoy the landscape; yet, a storm was forming.

Meanwhile the dose started kicking in; he'd perceive the air as liquid, he felt the vertigo...thunders stroke, he really felt for his life.

Maybe hugging onto the tree saved him; he felt he was going to die. So far, he'd been a stutterer since a kid in school, one of special education, with a congenital problem. He started repeating his mantra maybe one hundred times, maybe more, while holding onto the tree: "stop stuttering now".
...

The next day he met a friendly lady who asked him how are you; he replied: "I am doing great".

He was cured.


Next is my today's harvest.























































Twas a good evening,
a good sunset,
and the melody ringing in my head;
Daisy, Daisy / Give me your answer, do.
...

[Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I learned from this book: If I ever went hunting for psilocybin mushrooms I would probably die a slow and agonizing death.

The difference between a delightful mind expanding experience and rapid liver and kidney failure appears to depend on your successfully applying all 200 pages of identification procedures outlined here, in conjunction with a dozen other recommended guides. Successful application of these identification principles also sometimes requires discerning between subtle slightly variant shades of brown and green (not good if you are red-green color blind like me!)

If you succeed.... they say a profound experience awaits you. And if you mistake one of the almost identical deadly cousins of a kosher psilocybin shroom for the real thing, well then, here's another kind of profound experience that awaits you:
"First symptoms come late - six to twenty-four hours (average ten to fourteen hours) after ingestion of the mushrooms. Sharp abdominal pains are followed by violent vomiting and a persistent cholera like diarrhea (often containing blood and mucus.) These symptoms tend to subside and the patient appears to improve. In three to four days the patient's condition begins to worsen, with symptoms of liver and kidney failure leading to death in seven to ten days. Autopsy findings are: marked gastro-intestinal edema, hemorrhagic gastro-enteritis, lymphoid tissue and lymph node hyperplasia, fatty degeneration of the heart and liver similar to that seen in carbon tetrachloride poisoning, tubular necrosis of the kidneys, and swollen brain with multiple hemorrhages and degenerative nerve cell damage. Death is primarily from liver and kidney failure."

So, if I ever decide to take the psilocybin highway, I think I'll let an expert do the collecting, thank you very much.

"This description should convince any hunter of psilocybin mushrooms that mushroom identification must be approached seriously and with the utmost caution."

Indeed.

"If you have any uncertainty about a mushroom, do not eat it."

Indeed. I have uncertainty about fresh food in my refrigerator bought two days ago at the supermarket. Do you seriously think I'm going to have less uncertainty about a fungus I found growing out of cow turd? Again, not tempted.

Fun book to read and skim however.

[Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most essential psilocybin mushroom guide so far. It skyrocketed my lurking fascination for psychedelics and their usage beyond recreation. I was able to successfully identify and prepare different species thanks to Stamets pictures and very detailed descriptions. It promotes a conscious and responsible approach and deals extensively with the poisonous look-a-likes. Along with describing a lot of mushrooms individually there are chapters about the ancient history, sacred rituals, the art of wild mushroom hunting, trip preparation, personal experiences and so on..

[Kurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoy anything from Paul Stamets. I have been avidly studying mushrooms for almost 20 years, but never really delved into the world of psilocybins. The amount of knowledge this man has just blows me away, and I hang on to every word he writes. This is definitely one resource book I will be referring back to for many years to come.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the introduction to this book, Paul Stamets relates the story of tripping on mushrooms with friends and predicting a disaster on a particular date a few weeks away and how, on that date upon driving past the drowned carcasses of cattle from recent torrential rains, it "shattered my concept of linear time. The future can be foreseen."
This guy fucking loves mushrooms. And Science. Specifically, he loves mycology, the study of mushrooms. I'm not sure how much he likes the rest of Science.
This book functions as a handbook about psychedelic mushrooms, and so I didn't exactly "read" it straight through like a chapter book. I did enjoy his enthusiasm for his subject and can see how it'd be handy to have this book around if you were hunting/growing mushrooms for this purpose. Despite his enthusiasm in the introduction, it's not really about tripping at all.
I believe I'll check out his other book, "Mycelium Running" for more information on how he sees Mushrooms in our past, present, & future.

Personal Note: You received this book in a 2015 Abitrary Day Redditgifts exchange.

[Andrew Bocz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still pretty much the standard for the genus Psilocybe. Due to its age (and some would say Stamets willful oversight) there are many errors in the taxonomy. I always enjoy reference books where the author's love of the subject comes through in his writing. The pictures are useful for identification even if the taxonomic name used may be deprecated. He understands that readers of this book are usually also looking to consume these mushrooms and he appropriately covers the dangerous lookalikes in detail. I would recommend a better book on this niche subject if there was one, but for now this is it.

[Essie Van Zuylen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a more updated version of this by Stamets published as of June 2025 (‘Psilocybin mushrooms in their natural habitats’). But this one served me well :)

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty fun and easy to read. It's clear the author had fun with this. Useful when doing field work if you are an amateur botanist/shaman. My only gripe is that I wish there was a table or something in it or that it was organized by cap type, stem type, or some visible feature as opposed to species name.

Definitely pick this up if you plan on doing field work, but expect to also take post it notes or margin notes.

[David Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every other mushroom-hunting guide on the shelves has only a handful of the good mushrooms in their listings, most labeled “poisonous.” Feh! Useless. This guide, however, is nothing but magic mushrooms, and has all of the necessary details on every variety imaginable, is well-illustrated, and expertly written.

[YL · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not particularly well designed -- definitely doesn't compare to the bibles 'Mushrooms Demystified' and 'All that the Rain Promises and More'. I would expect better table of contents/indices from a purported identification guide. Other useful details could also be labeled more clearly.

You'd think that a book on shrooms would be maximally lucid to address the most common use case...

[Maggie Mayhem · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great companion to a larger book on mushroom identification. It is what has been deliberately left out in most mycological texts but when read alone, everything looks like it's part of these few species.

[Alex O'Cardy]

Navigating Psilocybin: A Guide to the Therapeutic Uses and Potential Risks of Magic Mushrooms

In recent years, psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, has gained increasing attention within the field of mental health and wellness. This guide will illuminate the therapeutic potential of psilocybin while also addressing the associated risks, helping you make informed decisions about its use.

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in various species of mushrooms. Historically, it has been used in spiritual and shamanic practices across diverse cultures. Modern science is now rediscovering its potential benefits, particularly in the realm of mental health.

Recent clinical studies have highlighted psilocybin's promise in treating a range of psychological conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. One of the key benefits is its ability to facilitate profound psychological breakthroughs. By inducing altered states of consciousness, psilocybin can help individuals confront and process deep-seated emotional issues.

For example, research from prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins University has shown that psilocybin can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with terminal illnesses. These studies demonstrate that, under controlled conditions, psilocybin can be a powerful tool for therapeutic transformation.

1. Therapeutic Uses: Psilocybin has been found to enhance neuroplasticity, which allows the brain to form new neural connections. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and substance use disorders. The compound may help reset neural circuits associated with mood regulation, offering a new avenue for treatment where conventional therapies have fallen short.

2. Controlled Setting: The context in which psilocybin is administered plays a crucial role in its efficacy. Therapeutic sessions typically occur in a controlled, supportive environment, guided by trained professionals. This setting helps ensure a safe and beneficial experience, minimizing the risks and maximizing the potential benefits.

3. Dosage and Supervision: Proper dosage is essential for achieving the desired therapeutic effects while avoiding potential adverse reactions. It's important to engage with healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about psychedelic therapies to determine the appropriate dosage and monitor progress.

If you’re looking for high-quality products with different levels of psilocybin, whether you’re experienced or just trying this unique psychedelic and therapeutic experience for the first time, check out Shrooms Direct at https://www.shroomsdirect.co/. This online store is fully licensed and certified, so you can trust that the products you buy here are top-notch in quality and safety for your health.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While the therapeutic potential of psilocybin is promising, it's also vital to acknowledge the risks. Psilocybin is a potent substance that can induce intense psychological experiences. For some individuals, especially those with pre-existing mental health conditions, these experiences may be overwhelming or disorienting.

Common risks include:

- Psychological Distress: High doses or unsupervised use can lead to anxiety, paranoia, or even psychosis.

- Legal Status: The legality of psilocybin varies by region. It's essential to be aware of and adhere to local regulations.

To mitigate these risks, it's crucial to approach psilocybin use with caution and under professional guidance. For those interested in exploring psilocybin therapy, partnering with established clinics and practitioners can provide a structured and safe environment.

Navigating the world of psilocybin requires a balanced perspective, recognizing both its remarkable therapeutic potential and its associated risks. As research continues to evolve, psilocybin could become a transformative tool in mental health treatment. By staying informed and seeking guidance from experts, you can make thoughtful decisions about whether and how to incorporate psilocybin into your wellness journey.

I encourage you to delve deeper into this subject and consider exploring reputable resources and professional guidance if you are interested in psilocybin. With responsible use and proper support, the potential benefits of psilocybin could be a significant step forward in enhancing mental health and well-being.

[Craig Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an unusual find. I was looking for a book on seaweed to help me with my investment research, and this was on the adjacent shelf. It was the last book I expected to see in the National Library in Singapore, where psilocybin is a controlled substance, and abuse of controlled substances ends with people going to Changi (not the airport).

Psilocybin is the naturally occurring psychedelic compound in over 100 mushroom species worldwide. The effects of consumption include euphoria and hallucinations and may have had a lasting impact on human consciousness over millions of years of our evolution. The Aztecs believed that psilocybin can break linear time, and had countless sculptures and statues dedicated to these saprophytes (the name given to the type of fungi that grow on dead plant material).

According to an article earlier this year in Popular Mechanics: 'Some evidence indicates that early hominids—our extinct ancestors—had been picking and eating “magic mushrooms” up to six million years ago. The practice likely influenced the development of human cognition and awareness, according to a recent review examining psilocybin’s effect on human consciousness.'

Psilocybin may enhance cognitive functions, our tools for understanding our environment through our experiences, senses, and thoughts. Psilocybin “increases connectivity between networks in the frontal region and raises the level of awareness of states of consciousness,” says Fatima Calvo of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. Specifically, psilocybin affects the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and anterior cingulate cortex, which can affect memory and decision-making.

Christof Koch, an elegant writer on Consciousness, starts his recent book Then I Am Myself the World: What Consciousness Is and How to Expand Itwith a very open description of one of his experiments with Psilocybin to engage the deeper parts of his conscious experiments. His later discussions on the use of this psychedelic substance provide a fascinating glance into how altered states of consciousness can offer insights into the brain’s mechanisms and the nature of subjective experience.

This book is designed to help those who are allowed to forage and consume psychedelic mushrooms do so safely. There are plenty of warnings throughout that identifying these is dangerous. Many species of fungi are highly toxic, and many look similar.

I am too much of a coward to want to try these hallucinogens, even if they were legal, and would worry about the anxiety impact. I once freaked out at a Dentist when they were trying a novel form of local anaesthetic that gave me a wild and scary trip.

That said, there is a growing body of literature that says these types of naturally occurring chemicals might have beneficial use in treating those who are suffering from depression and other brain-related disorders. I recommend that medical researchers use this book in their research.

It is a detailed field guide with extensive notes, photographs and illustrations, and it represents a tremendous amount of effort on behalf of the author. For that reason alone, I gave it four rainbows chasing a unicorn around a sugar-spun spaceship.

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es una excelente guía hecha por un hombre que ha dedicado su vida al estudio de los hongos, no solo psilocybes, también hongos medicinales y gourmet.
Tiene una TED talk sobre 5 formas en que los hongos pueden ayudarnos a solucionar la crisis ecológica que vivimos.

Sin embargo le daría si se pudiera 4.5 estrellas al libro porque no todas las especies están ilustradas. Se debe complementar la información buscando fotos de ejemplares en Internet. Esta guía se basa en gran medida en los trabajos del micólogo mexicano Gastón Guzmán (1932-2016), egresado del Instituto Politécnico Nacional; quien es la referencia obligada del género Psilocybes a nivel mundial.

[Lilith Sussy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing. The first section is thoroughly referenced and provides satisfactory information on helping one's understanding of this type of mushroom hunting. The photos are full colour and highly detailed, and several charts are included to help with identification as well as further warnings about the seriousness of proper identification. Paul Stamets is a noteworthy expert with a lot of knowledge on mycology.

[Alex Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of this book is a guide to identifying mushrooms. Stamets is working to help people find potent mushrooms in the wild and to avoid killing themselves by eating ones that can lead to death.

I'm not going to use his book in this manner, but it is interesting to see how wide the variety of mushrooms there are, and to note how novel and undocumented many of the species/genus are.

[Rey 🍄👑 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is this practically the only comprehensive field guide of this these specific fungal taxa and deserves so much recognition for this, but it so practical and useable that the information from this book and a little advice from the internet helped me find my favorite species of fungi growing wild in my community! This book is really important and valuable. Thank you PS. 🍄❤️

[Todd MacDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book but bad ebook

As usual Paul does a great job with his information but the ebook conversion was sloppy with diagrams and low res pictures almost useless Wish I would have just bought the physical book wanted it to be more convenient in my phone. At the very least a PDF of the diagrams and even maybe the images would have been appreciated

[Juniper K · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mom bought this thinking it was a regular mushroom identification book.. but it is very interesting and has a lot of cool information. The author is super knowledgeable about all mushrooms and is so passionate

[Ceri Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative mushroom identification source

Thoroughly informative book with accompanying photographs to aid identification of mushrooms throughout the world. An interesting read for anyone interested in mycology and the psychedelic genus of mushrooms.

[Graham Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book. I really enjoyed it.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative, also read a book " Your Psilocybin Mushroom Companion ".

[Riley Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great starting point if you are interested in the subject but it is unfortunately a pretty narrow view. Only important if you are trying to ID psilocybe mushrooms.

[Nicole Amaranta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dovremmo leggerlo nelle scuole

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read while I was having a bad solo trip (failed microdose), and it really calmed me down!

[Luis Vieira · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stagering guide.
The amount of work and time to create such a masterpiece.

[Esteban Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informational for the fans of mycology!

[Lenora K. Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written and filled with knowledge. A wonderful introduction to the world of mushrooms. Highly recommended. Thank you.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author’s beliefs about the experiences connected with ingesting psilocybin mushrooms are rather mystical. The actual mushrooms really look very similarities each other.