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Psilocybe Ovoideocystidiata
"Ovoid Psilocybe"
![[object Object]](https://d16q8n2b2c01ef.cloudfront.net/media/PsilocybeOvoideocystidiata-1_new-800x450.webp)
Scientific Classification
About
Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, commonly called the Ovoid Psilocybe, is a naturally occurring psilocybin mushroom native to the eastern United States, particularly along the Ohio River Valley. It’s known for its distinct egg-shaped (ovoid) cap, strong bluing reaction, and moderate to high psychoactive potency. It typically grows in spring, often near rivers and streams, and is considered one of the most prolific wild psilocybin species in North America.
History
First described formally in 2003, P. ovoideocystidiata was already known anecdotally among mushroom hunters before its scientific classification. It thrives in woody debris, mulch piles, and floodplains, making it one of the few species in North America that fruit reliably in spring and early summer.
Its popularity has grown among psychonauts and foragers alike due to its early fruiting season, consistent identification features, and reliable potency.
Overview
This species has a convex to ovoid cap (1.5–5 cm wide) that is brown to caramel when moist and fades as it dries. The gills are dark purplish-brown, and the stem is slender, white to off-white, bruising blue rapidly when damaged. Spores are dark purple-brown.
Effects typically include enhanced sensory perception, emotional clarity, visual patterning, and ego dissolution, depending on the dose. It is consumed fresh or dried and has gained a strong following in naturalist and therapeutic circles, especially in regions where it grows natively.
Physical Characteristics
Caps:
Convex to broadly convex, sometimes with a low umbo, 1-4 cm wide, reddish-brown to yellowish-brown, fading to pale ochre when dry
Gills:
Adnate to adnexed, initially pale, becoming purplish-black with age
Psychoactive Effects
Euphoric
Describing intense feelings of happiness or excitement
Perceptual
The change in the way things are perceived, including changes in time perception, spatial perception, and perception of one's own body.
Pharmacology
Helps With
Depression
Relieves symptoms of depression, improving mood and outlook
Anxiety
Helps to alleviate feelings of worry, fear, and unease
Addiction
Helps to overcome addiction and substance abuse
PTSD
Helps to alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
OCD
Helps to alleviate symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder
ADD ADHD
Helps to alleviate symptoms of attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Pain
Microdosing psilocybin has been shown to help with certain types of pain
Migraines
Research shows that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, has potential therapeutic benefits for migraines. A small-scale study conducted by Yale School of Medicine found that a single dose of psilocybin reduced the likelihood of having a migraine attack in two weeks.
Possible Side Effects
Nausea
A feeling of discomfort in the stomach with an urge to vomit
Grow at Home
Start your cultivation journey with quality grow kits from verified vendors
Chemical Constituents
Medicinal Chemistry
Similar Species
![[object Object]](https://d16q8n2b2c01ef.cloudfront.net/media/PsilocybeCyanescens-1_new-400x400.webp)
Species: Psilocybe cyanescens
Edibility: Psychoactive
Key Differences: P. cyanescens lacks the distinctive ovoid cystidia and typically has a more wavy cap margin compared to P. ovoideocystidiata.
![[object Object]](https://d16q8n2b2c01ef.cloudfront.net/media/PsilocybeCyanescens-1_new-400x400.webp)
Species: Psilocybe cyanescens
Edibility: Psychoactive
Mushroom Ratings
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★Share your thoughts
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01/29/2025
Victor Romo
References
- Sekssaoui, M. (2024). Antidepressant-like effects of psychedelics in a chronic despair mouse model: is the 5-HT2A receptor the unique player?. .
- Ley, L. (2023). Comparative acute effects of mescaline, lysergic acid diethylamide, and psilocybin in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study in healthy participants. .
- Bae, S. (2023). Cardiac Arrest Associated With Psilocybin Use and Hereditary Hemochromatosis. .
- Schindler, E. (2022 ). Exploratory investigation of a patient-informed low-dose psilocybin pulse regimen in the suppression of cluster headache: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. .
- Barrett, F. (2022). Human Cortical Serotonin 2A Receptor Occupancy by Psilocybin Measured Using [11C]MDL 100,907 Dynamic PET and a Resting-State fMRI-Based Brain Parcellation. .
- Desai, S. (2022). Hopelessness, Suicidality, and Co-Occurring Substance Use among Adolescent Hallucinogen Users—A National Survey Study. .
- Rucker, J. (2021). Psilocybin: From Serendipity to Credibility?. .
- Schindler, E. (2021). Exploratory Controlled Study of the Migraine-Suppressing Effects of Psilocybin. .
- Raval, N. (2021). A Single Dose of Psilocybin Increases Synaptic Density and Decreases 5-HT2A Receptor Density in the Pig Brain. .
- Kuypers, K. (2019). Psychedelic medicine: The biology underlying the persisting psychedelic effects. .