C0-Sponsorship Memo for The state Mushroom Project
CO-SPONSORSHIP MEMORANDUM
TO: All Legislators
FROM: Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara, Rep. Vincet Miresse
RE: Co-Sponsorship of legislation relating to: designating the hen-of-the-woods as the Wisconsin state mushroom.
DEADLINE: Friday, July 11th, 2025 at 3:00 P.M.
Also known as maitake, the Hen-of-the-Woods is a large, ruffled mushroom that grows wild at the base of oak trees, particularly in the forests of Wisconsin. It is a fitting symbol for our state for several important reasons.
The Hen-of-the-Woods is celebrated in kitchens across the globe for its rich umami flavor and versatility. In Wisconsin, chefs and home cooks alike seek it out for gourmet dishes. Beyond its flavor, the mushroom is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and polysaccharides, making it a healthy and desirable addition to any diet.
Additionally, foraging is an integral part of Wisconsin’s outdoor culture. Festivals, farmers’ markets, and local restaurants regularly highlight wild mushrooms—especially Hen-of-the-Woods. In fact, interest in mushroom cultivation, wild foraging, and fungi-focused tourism continues to grow, presenting new economic opportunities for rural and forested communities.
At least eight states have designated a state mushroom, including Texas, California, and our neighboring state, Minnesota. In true Wisconsin fashion, we have a unique native candidate that represents both our culinary pride and our natural beauty. The Hen-of-the-Woods is a local favorite and would be a distinctive and meaningful choice among other state symbols like the sugar maple and badger.
By elevating the Hen-of-the-Woods to official state symbol status, we celebrate Wisconsin’s wild heritage and encourage sustainable practices. This is a lighthearted but meaningful opportunity to engage Wisconsinites of all ages in appreciating the value of our natural ecosystems.
If you would like to cosponsor this legislation, please contact Sen. Cabral-Guevara’s office or Rep. Miresse’s office or by email.
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau
Current law designates a variety of state symbols and requires the Wisconsin Blue Book to include information about them. This bill designates the hen-of-the-woods (Grifola frondosa) as the Wisconsin state mushroom and requires the Wisconsin Blue Book to include that information.
