Every state has a state bird, a state flower, and even a state animal. But now, more and more states are designating state mushrooms.

Fungi are often forgotten when it comes to pop culture and any kind of culture in general. But things are starting to change, and we at shroomer are among the many who are more than excited to see the change!

Why are state mushrooms important?

The Mycological Society of America has started The State Mushroom Initiative, an initiative for every state in the US to have its own state mushroom. The purpose of this is to raise awareness of the world of fungi, and their vital importance in the natural and human worlds. With these state mushrooms in place, the Mycological Society of America hopes that people will be motivated to learn more about mycology and how important fungi are to the ecosystem as a whole.

How does a state designate a mushroom?

The idea of state mushrooms is so new that there isn’t really a process in place of how to get one. Each state has followed a different method, so far, but there are some similarities. 

Any state symbol needs to be proposed as a bill to the state legislature and sponsored by one of the legislators (in the Senate or assembly of the state in question). After this, they will need to be coached through the process by dedicated people who can communicate well with the legislator. 

A great write-up about the process in California can be found on the Mycological Society of America website. 

There is also a fantastic list of does and don’ts from the process of Texas declaring its own state mushroom:

 Do:

  1. Select a charismatic mushroom, as unique as possible, which you can construct a compelling story around.
  2. Focus on your state and your state pride.
  3. Learn and understand the legislative process.
  4. Find someone with excellent communication skills, planning skills, and the passion to see the process through to the end.
  5. Society members should cheer on their legislators, and assistance should be provided if asked, but remember they are not the experts in this scenario.
  6. Recruit other constituents to approach legislators in their districts.
  7. Keep presentations brief and engaging.

Don’t:

  1. Be too constrained by politics—you may have to think outside the box.
  2. Never think you have too few people—sometimes, even just one person can push the legislation through.
  3. Don’t get bogged down in science, most people don’t care about scientific reasoning but patriotic reasoning.

So, what can you do to get the process started?

Connect with your local mushroom clubs or societies, initiate and take part in discussions about which mushroom you think will be the best candidate. Recently, Illinois got forest schools involved in the push as well. Find a legislator that you think will be sympathetic to the cause, and get in touch with them!

Current U.S. states with designated mushrooms

California

California designated the Golden Chanterelle Mushroom (Cantharellus californicus) as their state mushroom in 2023. 

Illinois

Illinois designated the Giant Puffball (Calvatia gigantea) as their state mushroom in 2024.

Minnesota

Minnesota designated the Morel (Morchella esculenta) as their state mushroom in 2023.

Oregon

Oregon designated the Pacific Golden Chanterelle (Cantharellus formosus) as their state mushroom in 1999.

Texas

Texas designated the Texas Star Mushroom (Chorioactis geaster) as their state mushroom in 2021.

Image Source: Mason Lalley via Wikimedia Commons

Utah

Utah designated the Penny Bun (Boletus edulis) as their state mushroom in 2023

Vermont

Vermont designated the Bear’s Head Tooth Fungus (Hericium americanum) as their state mushroom in 2024.

States awaiting approval