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Bottle caps

Psilocybe baeocystis

A species of Psilocybe, Also known as Blue bells

Bottle caps is a small to medium-sized mushroom found in mulch, wood chips, or lawns with high lignin content. It thrives in moist environments, often seen in the Pacific Northwest. It has a distinctive conical to bell-shaped cap and a slender, often curved stem. The cap's color can change depending on the moisture level, typically presenting a darker tone when wet.

Cap Diameter:

1 - 3 cm

Odor:

Mildly fungal, non-distinctive scent.

General Info About Bottle caps

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Attributes of Bottle caps

Cap Diameter

1 - 3 cm

Cap

Cap 1.5 - 6 cm in diameter; conic to convex; brown, fading to milk white; hygrophanous; margin turned inwards when young, often distinctly rippled, translucent-striate; bruising greenish-bluish about the margin

Cap Shape

Convex

Cap Surfaces

Slimy or slightly sticky, Visible lines or stripes

Gills

Adnate to sinuate; close; grayish to cinnamon brown

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

5 - 7 cm long, 2 - 3 mm thick; equal to subequal; pallid to brownish; with white filaments; brittle, stuffed with loose fibers

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Flesh

Thin; bruises blue easily

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Dark purplish brown

Odor

Mildly fungal, non-distinctive scent.

Body Color

Brown

Bronze

White

Cream

Flesh Bruises

Discolor to blue

Growth Form

Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On wood

Species Status

Common throughout the Pacific Northwest

Endangered Species

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Habitat of Bottle caps

Bottle caps thrives in urban grassy areas enriched with decayed organic matter, near rotting wood, and in mulched plant beds.

Uses of Bottle caps

Bottle caps is primarily known for its hallucinogenic properties due to the presence of psychoactive compounds. It's sought after for spiritual and recreational purposes, albeit with legal restrictions and significant safety risks. Its use is not mainstream due to potential psychological effects and legal status, making it a mushroom that should be approached with caution. Bottle caps is not considered an edible species in conventional terms and should only be used by individuals who are fully aware of the implications and in regions where it is legally permitted.

Scientific Classification of Bottle caps

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Hymenogastraceae

Genus

Psilocybe

Similar Species to Bottle caps

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Petticoat mottlegill

Similar Species

Bottle caps

How to Differentiate Between Petticoat mottlegill and Bottle caps?

Bottle caps: Cap and stem bruise blue-green when damaged.

Petticoat mottlegill: Does not display significant bruising.

Dewdrop mottlegill

Similar Species

Bottle caps

How to Differentiate Between Dewdrop mottlegill and Bottle caps?

Bottle caps: Cap surface is notably gelatinous when wet.

Dewdrop mottlegill: Cap lacks a gelatinous layer and remains dry.

Tips for Finding Bottle caps

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When is the Best Time to Find Bottle caps

Seek bottle caps during the fall, especially after periods of heavy rain when temperatures range between 50-60°F (10-15°C). Morning forays post-rainfall can yield the best results.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Bottle caps

Rich in organic matter, well-manured.

What are Some Tips for Finding Bottle caps

Focus on well-manured soil areas, such as parks or gardens with a history of manure application.
Inspect the edges where grassy areas meet wood chips or other decaying plant material.
Check beneath foliage in plant beds, especially under rhododendrons and rose bushes with sufficient mulch.
Explore locales with a blend of peat moss, as they could support bottle caps growth.

How to Clean and Preserve Bottle caps

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How to Clean Bottle caps

To clean bottle caps, gently brush off any debris with a soft brush. For more persistent dirt, lightly rinse under running water without soaking. Pat dry immediately to prevent water absorption and maintain integrity.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Bottle caps

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in airtight containers, cool, dark, low-humidity environment to prevent reabsorption of moisture.

Dehydrator drying: Faster, controlled environment, reduces spoilage risk due to high water content.

Oven drying: Set at low temperature with door slightly open to allow moisture escape, relatively quick.

Air drying: Natural, slower process, requires a well-ventilated area, and less energy use.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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