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What is Psilocybe serbica and why is this powerful mushroom also known as Psilocybe bohemica or arcana? In this blog, discover all about the origin, confusion surrounding its naming and the remarkably strong effects of this European psilocybin mushroom.
In 1969, Psilocybe serbica was first described by Austrian mycologists Moser and Horak. Similar mushrooms were given different names by Czech mycologist Borovička and others because they thought they were different mushrooms. However, DNA testing revealed that it was the same species of mushroom. The name serbica was the best known and stuck.
This mushroom attracts attention because it is native to Europe and is a true powerhouse. Its effects are stronger than those of several other Psilocybe mushroom species. It is found mainly in eastern Europe, for example in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland and Croatia. It has not yet been found in the wild in countries outside Europe.
Psilocybe serbica can be found in natural, wooded areas. It likes to grow on forest soil, covered with leaves, where it is cool and moist. Rotting wood, leaf litter, anything on the ground in forests, that’s where the mushroom emerges in coniferous and mixed forests. Sufficient shade is important, as it likes sheltered spots. You are not likely to find this mushroom in gardens or in wood chips next to sidewalks like some other species.
If you are interested in mushroom searching in the wild, it is also helpful to know when you are most likely to find it. The best time to look for Psilocybe serbica is in autumn, from late September to early December. It grows best after a period of rain, especially when the temperature drops to 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, when the nights get cooler. As mentioned, it likes cool conditions, so you won’t encounter it in summer.
This mushroom is not particularly striking in appearance, but if you know what to look for you can start to recognize it. What makes it a bit trickier is that its color can change depending on weather conditions. You may also notice that it turns blue when you touch it, which is a sign that it contains psilocybin.
Appearance:
Those who would like to try Psilocybe serbica had better be careful. It is a powerful mushroom, one you should not underestimate. In fact, it is one of the most potent wild-growing mushrooms tested. Depending on conditions, this mushroom contains between 0.5 and 1.95% psilocybin. That’s really high, comparable to or even stronger than Penis Envy and Psilocybe azurescens. See also, for example, the study Determination of psilocybin and psilocin content in multiple Psilocybe cubensis mushroom strains using liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry, published on ScienceDirect, in which several mushroom strains were tested.
So these psilocybin concentrations are not something to shrug off. If you have ever used Golden Teacher or B+, then Psilocybe serbica at lower doses, may have stronger effects. Source: Sciencedirect
Always be careful if you are going to use magic mushrooms, especially one that is not yet well known. Start with a low dose to see how you react to it. Do not use shrooms if you are allergic to mushrooms. Mushrooms can also have unexpected and disturbing effects. Side effects include paranoia, confusion, anxiety and restlessness.
Also, do not use magic mushrooms or truffles if you are on medication. Psilocybin can interact with that. Also, if you have mental symptoms, such as an anxiety disorder or depression, magic mushrooms can exacerbate these symptoms.
Effects of psilocybin on brain and mental health
Clinical research on psilocybin in depression (Johns Hopkins):
Psilocybin significantly and persistently reduces depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer:
Basically, you can microdose with any psilocybin-containing mushroom. But it is important to be very careful with the dosage. Because this mushroom is much stronger than well-known strains like the Mexican or Thai, a very low dose can already be too much. Of course, you don’t want to notice psychoactive effects when microdosing.
Normally, you take 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried mushrooms. Because Psilocybe serbica is relatively high in psilocybin, any microdose should be considerably lower than with milder species. For those without experience, it is advisable to do proper research first and stick to better known and milder strains.
It is recommended to start with a very low dosage of 0.05 to 0.1 grams. If you don’t notice this much, you can always increase. Use an accurate scale to weigh your dosage.
Overview of risks and side effects by Medical News Today:
Potential negative psychological effects of psychedelics (MAPS):
Psilocybin interactions with SSRIs and other psychiatric medication (PubMed):
Contraindications to psychedelic use (TheraPsil, Canada):
It is possible to grow this strain at home, but it is not as easy as any of the better-known Psilocybe mushroom strains. First, there are no grow kits to be found, so you will have to grow them yourself from spores. Second, this strain likes cool temperatures and you need a wood-based substrate.
If you want to grow this strain at home, you will need spores or a liquid culture. As a substrate, you can use wood chips or sawdust with some straw or cardboard. Put your culture in a cool and shaded place, where it does not get hotter than 15 degrees. Also make sure it is moist enough and spray the mushrooms regularly. It’s a bit trickier to grow Psilocybe serbica at home, but don’t shy away from a challenge and if you already have experience, it’s definitely doable.
If you are looking for more accessible mushrooms, you will find a large selection in our shop. From mild mushrooms, such as Psilocybe mexican to advanced mushrooms, such as Mazatapec and McKennaii.
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