Vote the Yellow Morel as Oklahoma’s Official State Mushroom!
Oklahoma is home to some of the most diverse and fascinating ecosystems in the country, from the rolling prairies to the dense woodlands, teeming with incredible biodiversity. Among the many natural treasures found in our great state, the yellow morel (Morchella americana) stands out as a true icon of springtime, a prized edible mushroom that has been cherished by foragers, nature lovers, and culinary enthusiasts for generations.
Yet, despite the morel’s significance to Oklahoma’s ecology, culture, and economy, our state does not currently have an official state mushroom. Meanwhile, seven other states—California, Minnesota, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Illinois—have already recognized a state mushroom, acknowledging the importance of fungi in their natural landscapes. It’s time for Oklahoma to do the same.
We believe that the yellow morel is the perfect candidate for this honor, and we need your help to make it official. By signing our Change.org petition, you can show your support for designating Morchella americana as Oklahoma’s Official State Mushroom.
👉 Sign the petition today! Click here to support the Yellow Morel for Oklahoma’s State Mushroom.
What Makes the Yellow Morel Special?
The yellow morel is one of Oklahoma’s most recognizable wild mushrooms. Every year, as the temperatures warm and spring rains fall, morels emerge from the forest floor, sending foragers into a frenzy. Their distinct honeycomb-like caps make them easy to identify, and their earthy, nutty flavor has made them a sought-after delicacy in kitchens across the world. Morels are more than just a delicious find—they play a vital ecological role in Oklahoma’s forests, helping decompose organic matter, recycle nutrients, and support overall forest health.
Here’s why the Yellow Morel deserves to be Oklahoma’s Official State Mushroom:
Foraging Morels Is A Family Tradition
Foraging for morels is a long-standing tradition in Oklahoma, passed down through generations. Many families eagerly await morel season each year, setting out to explore the woods in search of these golden treasures. Finding your first morel is a rite of passage for many Oklahomans, connecting people to the land in a way that few other activities can. From grandparents teaching their grandkids the secrets of their favorite morel spots to hikers and outdoor lovers celebrating the arrival of spring, morel foraging is a part of our state’s identity.
The Yellow Morel is a Culinary Icon
Few wild foods are as highly regarded in the culinary world as the morel. Chefs prize them for their meaty texture and rich, nutty flavor, often using them in gourmet dishes like risottos, pasta, and sautéed mushroom medleys. Due to their limited growing season and the fact that they cannot be easily cultivated, morels fetch a high price in farmers’ markets and specialty stores, adding to their mystique. Declaring the yellow morel as Oklahoma’s State Mushroom would bring well-deserved attention to our state’s wild food traditions and help promote local, sustainable foraging.
Morels Support a Healthy Ecosystem
Mushrooms aren’t just food—they’re essential to life itself. Morels play a crucial role in nutrient cycling, breaking down organic material and enriching the soil. They form symbiotic relationships with trees, exchanging nutrients in ways that promote healthier forests. By designating the yellow morel as Oklahoma’s State Mushroom, we highlight the importance of fungi in maintaining biodiversity and environmental sustainability. It’s an opportunity to educate more people about the role of fungi in our ecosystems and why protecting natural habitats is so important.
Seven Other States Have State Mushrooms—Oklahoma Should Too!
Oklahoma has an Official State Bird (Scissor-tailed Flycatcher), State Flower (Oklahoma Rose), and State Tree (Redbud)—so why not an Official State Mushroom?
We wouldn’t be the first to do this. In fact, seven other states have already declared an official state mushroom:
It’s time for Oklahoma to join the list and recognize the yellow morel as an official part of our state’s identity.
Three Simple Ways to Help:
Sign the Petition: It takes less than a 30-seconds! Click here to sign the petition.
Contact Your Legislators: Use Find My Legislator to reach out to your state representatives and senators and let them know you support making the yellow morel Oklahoma’s State Mushroom.
Spread the Word: Share this blog post with friends, family, and fellow mushroom lovers. Post it on social media, tag your representatives, and help raise awareness!
Final Thoughts
The yellow morel is more than just a mushroom—it’s a symbol of Oklahoma’s rich natural heritage, outdoor traditions, and environmental sustainability. Recognizing it as the Official State Mushroom would celebrate our deep-rooted connection to nature, support conservation efforts, and encourage more people to appreciate the importance of fungi in our ecosystem. Oklahomans have been foraging, cooking, and celebrating morels for generations. It’s time to honor this tradition and give the yellow morel the recognition it deserves. Together, we can make history!
👉 Sign the petition now! Click here to support the Yellow Morel for Oklahoma’s State Mushroom.
