It's time Wisconsin recognizes the pivotal role fungi play in our delicate ecological balance by declaring a state mushroom. The Wisconsin Legislature officially recognizes several state symbols that celebrate Wisconsin’s history, values, and diversity (Section 1.10 of the Wisconsin Statutes). An entire kingdom of life has been ignored and we must act to fix it. Let’s recognize an essential part of Wisconsin’s diversity and natural resources, and declare an official state mushroom! For this prestigious honor, we nominate “Hen-of-the-Woods” (Grifola frondosa).

Fungi make up one of life’s kingdoms – as broad a category as animals or plants – but they are substantially underrepresented in education and are noticeably sparse on important inventories like the IUCN Red List.  We must not forget them.  We believe elevating public awareness of fungi at the state level will encourage more scientific curiosity, education, and conservation around a kingdom of life under our feet every day. 

Fungi can be seen as climate warriors; 

• Playing a vital role in decomposing and recycling organic material in the environment, such as fallen branches or leaves
• Sequestering greenhouse gasses underground (Specifically carbon)
• Improve nutrient dynamics and water quality
• Without the decomposers we would be sitting amongst a huge pile of plant and animal matter that would never break down
• They are also an excellent source of nutrition for wildlife, plants, and people
• Nothing could live without them.

Fungi are critical to every aspect of life as we know it.

Wisconsin could be on the leading edge of a movement towards fungal familiarity. Designating an official Wisconsin mushroom increases awareness of the important role fungi play in the ecology of our state and the planet, a topic gaining widespread attention in the media like Fantastic Fungi, Entangled Life, National Geographic, The New York Times – even Vogue.

Children should be learning about Plants, Animals AND Fungi and this will help them understand the significance of not ignoring an entire kingdom of life at an early age by learning about Wisconsin’s State Mushroom in Wisconsin schools and getting excited about Fungi the same way kids can become fascinated by polar bears or sunflowers. By designating an official state fungus, Wisconsin will proudly display our advocacy for science and nature, which will impact decision-making and showcase Wisconsin's commitment to protecting our environment  for generations to come.

Given the diversity in the funga of Wisconsin, picking just one mushroom to represent the entire kingdom is a challenge.  The Wisconsin Mycological Society conducted a poll for local mushroom aficionados and mushroom lovers. “Hen-of-the-Woods” (Grifola frondosa) won the nomination for Wisconsin State Mushroom, a commonly cultivated, well-recognized mushroom and culinary delight for Wisconsinites.

Join us in declaring “Hen-of-the-Woods” (Grifola Frondosa) as the official Wisconsin state mushroom!

Thank you,

Wisconsin Mycological Society

Board of Directors