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Blue paneolus is a mushroom that belongs to hallucinogenic species. In order not to confuse it with edible representatives, it is necessary to carefully study the description and habitat.
What does Paneolus blue look like?
The blue paneolus has many names that in one way or another reflect the appearance of the mushroom – Blue Dream, Hawaiian, Blue Fly Agaric, Blue Copelandia, Abnormal Copelandia.
Cap Description
Distinctive features of the fruiting body are the shape and color of its upper part. In young specimens, it is hemispherical, the edges are wrapped up. As it grows, it acquires a bell-spread appearance, becomes wide with a bulge. Small in diameter – from 1,5 to 4 cm. The surface is dry, not rough. Color changes as it grows. At first, the hat has a light brown tint, and maybe white. But over time, it fades, becomes grayish, or turns yellow. If you break the mushroom, the flesh will quickly acquire a greenish or bluish color.
Description of the leg
Paneolus bluish is distinguished by a rather long leg, which is made in a cylindrical shape. The slender lower part of the mushroom can grow up to 12 cm in height and 4 cm in diameter. At the same time, it can be both straight and slightly curved, which depends on the level of humidity in the region and the age of the fruiting body.
The surface of the foot is smooth. The color is usually pale gray or whitish, but there are also specimens with pinkish or yellow underparts. When damaged, the leg also acquires a green or blue tint.
Where and how to grow
Paneolus blue grows, as a rule, in those places where the soil is fertilized with fresh manure. These are meadows and places of walking, where not only cattle graze, but also wild ungulates live. Geographically, it is found in almost all regions of Our Country, including Primorsky Krai, the Far East. The species also grows in Bolivia, USA, Hawaii, India, Australia, Thailand, Mexico, Philippines, Brazil and France.
The first crop of blue paneolus appears in June, and the last mushrooms can be observed in early October. It is important to take into account that fruiting bodies can grow both in groups and singly.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
Paneolus blue is a hallucinogenic mushroom that contains serotonin, urea, psilocin and psilocybin. The edibility of the fruiting body is still debated to this day. Some experts argue that the mushroom belongs to the category of conditionally edible. Other scientists, classifying it as a class of inedible ones, are sure that the blue paneolus is dangerous for human health and life, so it should not be consumed in any form.
If the bluish paneolus is accidentally or deliberately eaten, then the person may experience hallucinatory attacks, while the victim’s condition often borders on delusional. As a rule, he begins to perceive the situation in brighter colors, there is an aggravation of hearing. There may be aggression or depression, a quick change of mood (crying abruptly turns into violent laughter and vice versa).
Twins and their differences
Paneolus blue has many similar counterparts. All of them also grow in manure places, have hallucinogenic properties. The main difference between the fly agaric in question is the pulp that changes shade during damage. Other dung mushrooms also have a bell-shaped cap.
- Psilocybe semilanceolate – a poisonous specimen. The upper part of the fruit body reaches a diameter of 3 cm, the surface is smooth, the color is light beige. The leg is flexible and strong, has no border.
- Psilocybe papillary. The hat is like a bell or a cone, which reaches a diameter of 5-15 cm. The color is gray or olive, the surface is slippery. The lower part of the fungus is curved, hollow. It is a poisonous species.
Conclusion
Blue paneolus is an inedible mushroom that can cause psychological disturbances. At the same time, it has a special appearance, which helps not to confuse it with other edible fruiting bodies.
