Wisconsin State Mushroom Project
Some of my first foraging adventures together with my family led to the discovery of the hen of the woods mushrooms. Not only is this mushroom a choice to eat, it is very easily identifiable and there are no poisonous look a likes. It is a beautiful mushroom in its own right by augmenting the fall colors with the different hues of brown and gray this mushroom displays.
When I first started working on the Wisconsin State Mushroom Project back in 2023 there were only three (3) states that officially had designated a state mushroom. Since that time four (4) more states have officially designated a state mushroom.
1984 Minnesota designated Morchella esculenta (Morel), which was codified into law in 2010.
1999 Oregon designated Cantharellus formosus (Pacific Gold Chanterelle)
2021 Texas designated Chorioactis geaster (Texas Star)
2023 California designated Cantharellus californicus (California Gold Chanterelle)
2023 Utah designated Boletus edulis (Porcini)
2024 Vermont designated Hericium americanum (Bear’s Head Tooth)
2024 Illinois designated Calvatia gigantea (Giant Puffball)
In addition, the states of Massachusetts (Calvatia gigantea), Missouri (Cantharellus lateritius), New York (Lactarius peckii) and Washington (Tricholoma murrillianum, Tricholoma magnivelare) have attempted to designate official state mushrooms through their states legislative process but were unsuccessful.
The Wisconsin Blue Book states that over the years, the Wisconsin Legislature has officially recognized a wide variety of state symbols that celebrate Wisconsin’s history, values, and diversity. In order of adoption, Wisconsin has designated an official seal, coat of arms, flag, song, flower, bird, tree, fish, state animal, wildlife animal, domestic animal, mineral, rock, symbol of peace, insect, soil, fossil, dog, beverage, grain, dance, ballad, waltz, fruit, tartan, pastry, dairy product, and herb. These symbols provide a focus for expanding public awareness of Wisconsin’s history and diversity. They are listed and described in Section 1.10 of the Wisconsin Statutes. But no state mushroom.
So I started talking to as many different mushroom vendors, foragers, mushroom clubs and consumers as I could find and also contacted the Wisconsin Mycological Society. The WMS had previously discussed supporting a state mushroom in a past newsletter. The newsletter had a few suggestions for consideration. Of those suggestions, one really seemed to stand out as a leader in the field when speaking with people and that was the “Hen-of-the-Woods” (Grifola frondosa).
In the Fall of 2023 the Wisconsin Mycological Society (WMS) conducted a poll for local mushroom aficionados and mushroom lovers. “Hen-of-the-Woods” (Grifola frondosa) won the nomination for Wisconsin State Mushroom.
Other bills
In the 2023-24 Legislation Session there were a few other bills circulated to add to the Wisconsin State Symbol program, but all failed to pass.
Brandy old-fashioned declared Wisconsin’s state cocktail – SJR84. A bipartisan resolution declaring the brandy old fashioned as the official state cocktail of Wisconsin passed in the Wisconsin State Assembly on November 9, 2023. However, since it is a resolution and not a bill, it will not be added to the list of other official state symbols
Henry All-Weather .45-70 designated the state rifle, Blue Book provision – SB165
Lactococcus lactis (bacterium) designated as the state microbe, Blue Book provision – SB779. is proposed due to its crucial role in the state’s renowned cheese industry, as this bacteria is essential for the production of various cheeses like cheddar, brie, and camembert, making Wisconsin, the top cheese producing state in the US, heavily reliant on L. lactis for its dairy products. In 2009, legislation designating L. lactis as the Wisconsin state microbe passed the assembly, but was not taken up by the senate. But the original idea caught on, and since this initial effort, several other states have successfully adopted state microbes.
Monarch designated the state butterfly; Blue Book provision – SB443. On December 19th, 2023 the Senate Committee on Government Operations held a public hearing on this bill. The public hearing had several organizations speaking or registering in support of this legislation.
Rusty patched bumble bee designated as the state native insect; Blue Book provision – AB363. The legislation for the rusty patched bumble bee did not receive a Senate Bill number.
Hen-of-the-Woods (Grifola frondosa) designated as the state mushroom. We did not received a bill number in the 2023-24 session because our request for legislation was submitted so late in the session, but Republican Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara pledged to introduce the bill again in 2025. We are currently seeking co-sponsors in the Assembly and additional co-sponsors in the Senate.
Join us in declaring “Hen-of-the-Woods” (Grifola Frondosa) as the official Wisconsin state mushroom by signing the petition today. We plan to use the petition in attracting new sponsors to this legislation and build the database of people who care.
After legislation is introduced, we will take down the petition and put up an action alert for supporters of this project to easily contact their legislators to help pass this legislation.
If you want to help with this project, please indicate so when you sign up.
