WASHINGTON — You’ve likely heard about state flowers and state birds, but what about a state mushroom?
Organizers with the Olympic Peninsula Fungi Festival want to make the Tricholoma murillianum, commonly known as the Matsutake, Washington’s official state mushroom.
“This initiative celebrates the unique biodiversity of the region while highlighting the critical ecological roles fungi play in sustaining life and combating climate change,” the organizers said in a news release.
The Matsutake mushroom is known for its unique spicy aromatics and prized flavor. It also plays a role in fighting climate change. Mycorrhizal fungi, such as Matsutake, form symbiotic relationships with tree roots, increasing nutrient and water uptake while also storing significant amounts of carbon in the soil. These contributions are critical to maintaining the health of Washington’s forests and combating the impacts of climate change.
The Matsutake was chosen during a public voting process conducted during the 2023 Olympic Peninsula Fungi Festival. Organizers say the bill serves as a broader call to recognize fungi alongside flora and fauna in conservation discussions.
A drafted bill is currently in committee, preparing to be finalized for submission this session.
Seven U.S. states currently have a designated state mushroom:
California: Cantharellus californicus, known as the ‘California golden chanterelle.’
Illinois: Calvatia gigantea, nicknamed the ‘giant puffball.’
Minnesota: Morchella esculenta.
Oregon: Cantharellus Formosus, also known as the Pacific golden chanterelle.
Texas: Chorioactis geaster, nicknamed the ‘devil’s cigar.’
Utah: Boletus edulis, also known as the ‘porcini mushroom.’
Vermont: Hericium Americanum, known as the bear’s head tooth fungus.
Massachusetts, Missouri, and New York have all proposed the idea.
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