The differing Psilocybe species have a much longer and more intensive taxonomical history than the relatively recent distinctions between strains. The first reliable documented case of Psilocybe intoxication occurred in 1799, when a man picked several Semilanceata from the shores of the Thames river in London, and cooked a meal for his family with them. This surprise-trip spurred the classification of a new species of mushroom, which was placed in the Genus Agaricus, then moved in 1871 to Psilocybe. For the purpose of remaining succinct this article focuses on the 4 species most commonly found in North America.

Semilanceata

Semilanceata’s, often referred to as “Liberty Caps” are one of the most widespread, potent, and commonly recognized members of the Psilocybe genus. They are easily recognizable by their conical bell shaped cap which holds its shape throughout the life cycle, dissimilar to most other Psilocybe's whose caps flatten in maturity. They are also on average smaller than other species, often with a thin, elongated, somewhat fragile-looking stem and a spear shaped cap from which the name “Semilanceata” (meaning “spear-shaped” in latin) is derived. Testing done by mycologists Paul Stamets and Jochen Gartz has placed them as the third most potent Psilocybe species, with an exceptionally high concentration of Psilocybin, low concentration of Psilocin, and moderate levels of Baeocystin. The high concentration of psilocybin often leads to semilanceata mushrooms eliciting a very visual experience that also lasts longer than that of other species, due to the body having to break down this psilocybin into psilocin before the effects are felt.

Cyanenscens

Cyanenscens are another prolific species that can be found worldwide but is thought to have originated in North America. They are distinctly more mycorrhizal than other species, meaning they require decaying wood in order to grow. This makes them more difficult to cultivate indoors, however has not hindered their spread into every habitable continent. Unlike many other organisms whose habitat’s have been encroached on by humanity, these mushrooms are thought to have a symbiotic relationship with urbanization. They are commonly found on piles of ligneous debris or in mulched garden beds, and sometimes in enormous quantities exceeding 100,000 mushrooms in a single patch. They can be identified by the undulating edges of their caps, and aside from this wavy cap possess visual characteristics quite similar to Cubensis - thick stems and caps that begin rounded or bell shaped and flatten sometimes even becoming convex in maturity. Despite their aesthetic similarity to Cubensis they are significantly more potent, on average containing 30-60% higher concentration of psilocybin, similar concentration of baeocystin, and slightly less psilocin. The experience occasioned by taking Cyanescens is mostly analogous to that of Cubensis, however with notably intensified visuals (a result of higher psilocybin concentration).

Azurescens

Azurescens are the most rare, the most potent, and the most recently discovered Psilocybe species. Similar to many other mushrooms, they were discovered by recreational mycology enthusiasts (a group of boy scouts in the case of Azurescens). This potential to find an entirely new species is undoubtedly one of the attractive properties of mycology (the study of mushrooms) and exists whenever one embarks on a mushroom-hunting adventure. To date over 120,000 species of fungi have been discovered, and this number is constantly growing. Unlike other Psilocybe species, Azurescens are only found in the Pacific Northwest region of North America and carry the highest concentration of psilocybin out of all members of the genus. Due to extremely high psilocybin levels they produce vivid hallucinations, intense amplification of emotions, and sometimes even temporary paralysis.

Cubensis

Generally when someone speaks about “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms” they are referring to Cubensis. The natural geographic range of this species is limited to tropical and sub-tropical regions, however they can be (relatively) easily cultivated indoors - making them the most popular and easily accessible “magic mushrooms”. Many websites even offer ready-to-grow kits (which are legal in many countries as mushroom spores do not contain psilocybin) while other websites go even further abreast of the law to offer dried mushrooms and micro-dose capsules. Cubensis mushrooms often have thick, dense stems and large broad caps, they also grow larger than most other species although this is likely due to generations of genetic isolation. This species provides the classic psychoactive mushroom effects of euphoria, feelings of love and unity, introspection, philosophical ideation, synesthesia, visual augmentation, and a less ego-influenced perspective.