Smooth chanterelle mushrooms in the woods

MISSOURI STATE SYMBOLS

 

STATE MUSHROOM

 

Smooth Chanterelle (Cantharellus lateritius)

 

The smooth chanterelle is a yellow-orange, edible mushroom found in shady, wooded areas on the forest floor throughout Missouri. It is trumpet-shaped and has a smooth underside with no gills. The scientific name Cantharellus lateritius means a brick-colored cup. These fungi usually sprout on the ground from June through September.

Missouri’s state mushroom history dates back to 1998 when Rep. Kate Hollingsworth submitted that the morel be adopted. In 2006 and 2007, the smooth chanterelle was proposed, and in 2008 it was back to the morel. The smooth chanterelle was ultimately adopted in 2026 by the 103rd General Assembly as part of two combined state holiday, symbol, road and bridge names bills. (Note: Minnesota, who claimed it in 1984, uses the morel as its state mushroom.)

The 2026 effort was spearheaded by the Missouri Mycological Society who worked with Phelps County Rep. Tara Peters.

 

Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo)

§10.281. Smooth chanterelle, official mushroom. – The smooth chanterelle, scientifically known as Cantharellus lateritius, is selected for and shall be known as the official mushroom for the state of Missouri. (L. 2026 H.B. 2576 and S.B. 1544)

approved 13 July 2026
effective 28 August 2026

 

Photo Gallery:

Click on an image below to enlarge and read a caption. This will open a new window in the Missouri State Symbols Flickr album.

Flickr album link to smooth chanterelle mushroom image Flickr album link to smooth chanterelle mushroom illustration Flickr album link to smooth chanterelle mushroom meal image

 

Additional Resources:

Bassett, Barbara. Edible and Poisonous Mushrooms. Jefferson City: Missouri Department of Conservation, 1983.

Briggler, Malissa. A Guide to Missouri’s Edible and Poisonous Mushrooms. Jefferson City: Missouri Department of Conservation, 2018.

Dryden, Bernadette. Cooking Wild in Missouri: Savoring the Show-Me State’s Game, Fish, Nuts, Fruits and Mushrooms. Jefferson City: Missouri Department of Conservation, 2012.

Stone, Maxine. Missouri’s Wild Mushrooms: A Guide to Hunting, Identifying and Cooking the State’s Most Common Mushrooms. Jefferson City: Missouri Department of Conservation, 2010.

YouTube video by Phelps County Focus. “Campaign to Name Smooth Chanterelle Missouri’s State Mushroom Launches in Rolla.” 29 July 2025.

 

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