Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed a bill on March 31, 2025, designating Agaricus julius as the state mushroom. This saprotrophic mushroom, which feeds on dead plant material such as leaf litter, sticks, and woody debris, is found in the southern Rocky Mountains under Engelmann spruce. It is known for its large size, brown cap scales, and almond odor. Although Agaricus julius is edible, experts advise caution when consuming wild mushrooms to avoid misidentification.

The proposal to name a state mushroom began in 2021 with Alex Merryman, a volunteer at Denver Botanic Gardens and member of the Colorado Mycological Society. Former CMS president Greg Sanchez later worked with a civics class at Horizon High School in Thornton, Colorado, on the process for choosing a state mushroom. In the latter half of 2024, it was decided that Agaricus julius would be proposed to the Colorado General Assembly.

On February 3, 2025, testimonies from mycology enthusiasts, including Andrew Wilson, assistant curator of mycology at Denver Botanic Gardens, and Horizon High School students, were presented to the legislative committee. Following these discussions, the bill was approved by the House committee before being signed into law by Governor Polis.

Photo by James Chelin. Illustration by Alicia Wyatt.

Source: Denver Botanic Gardens

Source Type: Community

Source Location: Denver

Rocky Mount, NC

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