In order to start the ID process properly you must first make sure the specimen has been photographed prior to removal. This is the best way to start identifying your sample, most species have accociations with the environment.
For example, in the South East states like Florida psilocybe mushrooms grow directly on manure because they are Coprophilous (dung loving). Cyanescens, a much more potent species prefers wood as its primary substate . Wood lovers have a higher carbon to nitrogen ratio allowing them to produce more than doulble the active alkaloids available. All psychoactive species in the world will bruise blue indicating the oxidation of psilocin.
Step 1: Take a picture of the fruiting body in its natural state. For example, mushrooms growing on wood are not going to be Cubensis so it is more likely to be a Cyanescen or other variety.
Step 2: Download https://www.inaturalist.org/ This app is designed to identify not only Fungi but also plants,animals and everything in between. Post a clear picture of your specimen in its wild habitat to allow your viewers a chance to identify. Experts from around the world like Alan Rockefeller are awarded after each proper ID.
Step 3: Take spore prints and determine the color of them.
Step 4: Cut the specimen in half and take note of the stem characteristics. Are they hollow? Does it fall apart easily? These are all viable notes for identification.
step 5: Never attempt to ingest mushrooms in the wild.
Figure 1. This is a printable chart to make a spore print and start identification. Purple spores are most concurent with psilocybe and other actives.
For example, in the South East states like Florida psilocybe mushrooms grow directly on manure because they are Coprophilous (dung loving). Cyanescens, a much more potent species prefers wood as its primary substate . Wood lovers have a higher carbon to nitrogen ratio allowing them to produce more than doulble the active alkaloids available. All psychoactive species in the world will bruise blue indicating the oxidation of psilocin.
Step 1: Take a picture of the fruiting body in its natural state. For example, mushrooms growing on wood are not going to be Cubensis so it is more likely to be a Cyanescen or other variety.
Step 2: Download https://www.inaturalist.org/ This app is designed to identify not only Fungi but also plants,animals and everything in between. Post a clear picture of your specimen in its wild habitat to allow your viewers a chance to identify. Experts from around the world like Alan Rockefeller are awarded after each proper ID.
Step 3: Take spore prints and determine the color of them.
Step 4: Cut the specimen in half and take note of the stem characteristics. Are they hollow? Does it fall apart easily? These are all viable notes for identification.
step 5: Never attempt to ingest mushrooms in the wild.
Figure 1. This is a printable chart to make a spore print and start identification. Purple spores are most concurent with psilocybe and other actives.