CALIFORNIA - It is official, folks, the Golden State has a state mushroom. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed State Mushroom bill AB 261, naming California Golden Chanterelle (Cantharellus californicus) as the winner.

Last year, Californians stepped up to vote for a State Mushroom, and thousands of ballots were cast for six candidates, with California Golden Chanterelle coming out on top, a release explained. Assemblymember Ash Kalra then championed the cause with Assembly Bill 261.

Months were spent working through the legislature and multiple committee meetings, and ultimately, the bill was successfully voted out of the legislature and sent to Governor Newsom for signature.

California State Symbols are a powerful means of elevating the importance of biodiversity. Naming California Golden Chanterelle as the official state mushroom will promote appreciation, education, conservation, and study of mushrooms in the Golden State.

Three cheers for California’s newest state symbol!