How Many Types Of Magic Mushrooms Exist?

Magic mushrooms come in all shapes and sizes, with varying potency, compounds, and additional effects. But one thing that they all have in common is psilocybin, the main hallucinogenic alkaloid found within all magic mushrooms.

Although all magic mushrooms contain psilocybin, which is not thought to be toxic, not all magic mushrooms are the same. Some species contain other compounds that are toxic, whilst others do not – some can cause an upset stomach, whilst others can cause full-on organ failure. This is why it is extremely important for wild mushroom hunters to know exactly what they are doing. However, knowing that there is such a variety out there, it begs the question, just how many types of magic mushrooms are there?

GENUS: PSILOCYBE

Of all the types of magic mushrooms, it is the Psilocybe genus that is most popular and well known. This collection of mushrooms boasts a very extensive list, with at least 245 different species calling this genus home. This includes the ever popular Psilocybe cubensis, with its many varieties featuring as part of our grow kit catalogue. And that simply drives another point home: each of these 245 different species have many sub-varieties – adding to the number.

The three main consumed species of Psilocybe mushrooms are as follows:

Psilocybe cubensis – Arguably THE most common form of magic mushroom, especially within the psychedelic community, Psilocybe cubensis is on the larger side compared to the other types of magic mushrooms, and is often known as golden cap.

Psilocybe semilanceata – Often found growing in damp grassy fields, Psilocybe semilanceata is small, potent, and popular. It goes by the nickname "Liberty Cap".

Psilocybe baeocystis – Known as Blue Bell and Bottle Cap, Psilocybe baeocystis tends to prefer rotten logs as its growing site of choice.

THE OTHER GENERA

Whilst the Psilocybe genus of magic mushrooms is big, it is not the only one. To get a real idea of the sheer quantity of different types of magic mushrooms out there, you need to take into account the other genera of magic mushrooms that sit alongside the Psilocybe genus. These are:

• Conocybe
• Copelandia
• Galerina
• Gymnopilus
• Inocybe
• Mycena
• Panaeolina
• Panaeolus
• Pholiotina
• Pluteus

Whilst each of these genera may not rival Psilocybe in the sheer number of species they contain, each has a selection of species within them that all contain psilocybin and the other psychoactive compounds found within magic mushrooms. Once again, this is not to say that they are all fit for human consumption, as many of them may/will contain other compounds that are harmful, but they are all technically ‘magic’.

So how many types of magic mushrooms are out there? It depends what you mean by type, there are 11 known genera of magic mushrooms, but each of these contains many species, with each species likely having many variations. The numbers are in the hundreds, if not the thousands, and these are only the ones that have been discovered. Only recently a new species of magic mushroom was discovered, and more will be as time goes on. We still have much to learn!

Adam Parsons

Professional cannabis journalist, copywriter, and author Adam Parsons is a long-time staff member of Zamnesia. Tasked with covering a wide range of topics from CBD to psychedelics and everything in between, Adam creates blog posts, guides, and explores an ever-growing range of products.

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