Approved Mushroom Identifications by State

State-by-State Approved Species Lists

Includes Additional Health Safety Protocols (updated 07/26/2023)

Below you will find listings of approved mushroom identifications and requirements for each of the states in which we provide licensing and certification. In our years of experience, we have found that the best way to learn how to identify mushrooms in the wild is to spend time learning and searching with other mycophiles. Come join us to begin your journey of identification!

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SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA,  RHODE ISLAND

  • Chanterelles (Cantharellus spp. Exception C. persicinus)
  • Morels (Morchella spp.)
  • Black trumpet (Craterellus fallax)
  • Lobster (Hypomyces lactifluorum)
  • Wood ears (Auricularia spp.)
  • Chicken of the woods (Laetiporus spp. Exception L. persicinus)
  • Beefsteak (Fistulina hepatica)
  • Hedgehog (Hydnum repandum, H. albomagnum)
  • Lions mane / Pom Pom / Bearded tooth / Bear’s head (Hericium spp.)
  • Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp. Exception Pleurotus levis, P. dryinus)
  • Cauliflower (Sparassis spp.)
  • Maitake / Hen of the woods (Grifola frondosa)
  • Blewit (Lepista nuda)
  • Honey mushroom (Armillaria mellea, A. tabescens)
  • Blue milky (Lactarius indigo)
  • Golden and burgundy milkies (Lactifluus corrugis, L.volemus, L. hygrophoroides)
  • Pecan truffle (Tuber spp.)

SC & RI Requirements: Harvest Log, Tracking numbers on Boxes and Invoices. Restaurants retain records for 30 days.

GA Requirements: Harvest Log, Tracking numbers on Boxes and Invoices. Restaurants retain records for 90 days

Sign Up for SC, GA, PA, NY & RI Certification

ALABAMA

Only the following wild harvested mushroom species may be offered for sale or service in a food service establishment:

    • Beefsteak (Fistulina hepatica)
    • Black Trumpet (Craterellus fallax)
    • Blewits (Lepista nuda)
    • Blue Milky (Lactarius indigo)
    • Cauliflower (Sparassis spp.)
    • Chanterelles (Cantharellus spp. Exception C. persicinus)
    • Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus spp. Exception L. persicinus)
    • Golden and Burgundy Milkies (Lactifluus corrugis, L.volemus, L. hygrophoroides)
    • Green Quilted Russula (Russula virescens, R. parvovirescens, R. crustosa)
    • Hedgehog (Hydnum repandum, H. albomagnum)
    • Honey mushrooms (Armillaria mellea, A.tabescens)
    • Lions Mane or Pom Pom or Bearded tooth or Bear’s head (Hericium spp.)
    • Lobster (Hypomyces lactifluorum)
    • Maitake or Hen of the woods (Grifola frondosa)
    • Morels (Morchella spp.)
    • Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus spp. Exception Pleurotus levis, P. dryinus)
    • Pecan Truffle (Tuber spp.)
    • Puffballs (Lycoperdon spp., Calvatia spp.)
    • Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma curtisii, G. tsugae, G. sessile)
    • Shaggy mane (Coprinus comatus)
    • Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor)
    • Umbrella Polypore (Cladomeris umbellata)
    • Wood Ears (Auricularia spp.)

AL Requirements: Restaurants apply for and receive a variance approval to use wild harvested mushrooms, Buyers Specification Record attached to container of mushrooms. Restaurants retain records for 90 days.

Rules of Alabama State Board Of Health Bureau Of Environmental  Services Chapter 420-3-22 For Food Esstablishment Sanitation: https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/environmental/assets/foodrules2020.pdf

Alabama In Person and Online Classes Coming Soon

NORTH CAROLINA

  • Chanterelles (Cantharellus spp. Exception C. persicinus)
  • Morels (Morchella spp.)
  • Black trumpet (Craterellus fallax)
  • Lobster (Hypomyces lactifluorum)
  • Chicken of the woods (Laetiporus spp. Exception L. persicinus)
  • Beefsteak (Fistulina hepatica)
  • Hedgehog (Hydnum repandum, H. albomagnum)
  • Lions mane / Pom Pom / Bearded tooth / Bear’s head (Hericium spp.)
  • Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp. Exception Pleurotus levis, P. dryinus)
  • Cauliflower (Sparassis spp.)
  • Maitake / Hen of the woods (Grifola frondosa)
  • Honey mushroom (Armillaria mellea, A. tabescens)
  • Blue milky (Lactarius indigo)
  • Golden and burgundy milkies (Lactifluus corrugis, L.volemus, L. hygrophoroides)
  • Puffballs (Lycoperdon spp., Calvatia spp.)

NC Requirements: Harvest Log, NC Wild Mushroom Verification Form (Forager is approved at Health Department). TAGS available at health department for attaching to boxes. Restaurants retain a copy of verification form and tags for 90 days after purchase.

Verification Form

Link to Position Statements

VIRGINIA

  • Chanterelles (Cantharellus spp. Exception C. persicinus)
  • Morels (Morchella spp.)
  • Black trumpet (Craterellus fallax)
  • Lobster (Hypomyces lactifluorum)
  • Wood ears (Auricularia spp.)
  • Chicken of the woods (Laetiporus spp. Exception L. persicinus)
  • Beefsteak (Fistulina hepatica)
  • Hedgehog (Hydnum repandum, H. albomagnum)
  • Lions mane / Pom Pom / Bearded tooth / Bear’s head (Hericium spp.)
  • Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp. Exception Pleurotus levis, P. dryinus)
  • Cauliflower (Sparassis spp.)
  • Maitake / Hen of the woods (Grifola frondosa)
  • Blewit (Lepista nuda)
  • Honey mushroom (Armillaria mellea, A. tabescens)
  • Blue milky (Lactarius indigo)
  • Golden and burgundy milkies (Lactifluus corrugis, L.volemus, L. hygrophoroides)
  • Pecan truffle (Tuber spp.)
  • Puffballs (Lycoperdon spp., Calvatia spp.)
  • Bolete species: King bolete / Cep / Porcini (Boletus edulis, B. chippewaensis)
  • Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
  • Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma curtisii, G. tsugae, G. sessile)
  • Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor)

VA Requirements: Harvest Log, Tracking numbers on Boxes and Invoices. Restaurants retain records for 90 days once container is emptied.

Wild Mushroom Harvester Application: http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/mushroom-harvester-application.pdf
Wild Mushroom Retail Sales Application: http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/mushroom-retail-application.pdf

Sign Up for Virginia Certification

PENNSYLVANIA

  • Chanterelles (Cantharellus spp. Exception C. persicinus)
  • Blue chanterelle (Polyozellus multiplex)
  • Morels (Morchella spp.)
  • Black trumpet (Craterellus fallax)
  • Lobster (Hypomyces lactifluorum)
  • Wood ears (Auricularia spp.)
  • Chicken of the woods (Laetiporus spp. Exception L. persicinus)
  • Beefsteak (Fistulina hepatica)
  • Hedgehog (Hydnum repandum, H. albomagnum)
  • Lions mane / Pom Pom / Bearded tooth / Bear’s head (Hericium spp.)
  • Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp. Exception Pleurotus levis, P. dryinus)
  • Cauliflower (Sparassis spp.)
  • Maitake / Hen of the woods (Grifola frondosa)
  • Blewit (Lepista nuda)
  • Honey mushroom (Armillaria mellea, A. tabescens)
  • Blue milky (Lactarius indigo)
  • Golden and burgundy milkies (Lactifluus corrugis, L.volemus, L. hygrophoroides)
  • Pecan truffle (Tuber spp.)
  • Puffballs (Lycoperdon spp., Calvatia spp.)
  • Bolete species: King bolete / Cep / Porcini (Boletus edulis, B. chippewaensis)
  • Matsutake (Tricholoma magnivelare)
  • Shaggy mane (Coprinus comatus)

PA Requirements: Harvest Log, Tracking numbers on Boxes and Invoices. Restaurants retain records for 30 days.

Link to position statements: https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/consumer_protection/FoodSafety/Eggs-Fruit-Vegetables/Documents/Guidance%20for%20Wild%20Mushroom%20Harvesters%20in%20PA.pdf

Sign Up for Pennsylvania Certification

NEW YORK

  • Chanterelles (Cantharellus spp. Exception C. persicinus)
  • Blue chanterelle (Polyozellus multiplex)
  • Morels (Morchella spp.)
  • Black trumpet (Craterellus fallax)
  • Lobster (Hypomyces lactifluorum)
  • Wood ears (Auricularia spp.)
  • Chicken of the woods (Laetiporus spp. Exception L. persicinus)
  • Beefsteak (Fistulina hepatica)
  • Hedgehog (Hydnum repandum, H. albomagnum)
  • Lions mane / Pom Pom / Bearded tooth / Bear’s head (Hericium spp.)
  • Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp. Exception Pleurotus levis, P. dryinus)
  • Cauliflower (Sparassis spp.)
  • Maitake / Hen of the woods (Grifola frondosa)
  • Blewit (Lepista nuda)
  • Honey mushroom (Armillaria mellea, A. tabescens)
  • Blue milky (Lactarius indigo)
  • Golden and burgundy milkies (Lactifluus corrugis, L.volemus, L. hygrophoroides)
  • Pecan truffle (Tuber spp.)
  • Puffballs (Lycoperdon spp., Calvatia spp.)
  • Bolete species: King bolete / Cep / Porcini (Boletus edulis, B. chippewaensis)
  • Matsutake (Tricholoma magnivelare)
  • Shaggy mane (Coprinus comatus)

NY Requirements: Harvest Log, Tracking numbers on Boxes and Invoices.

Guidance Document for Sale of Wild Harvested Mushrooms in NY.

Wild mushrooms harvested by an approved mushroom expert can be sold in NY retail markets and direct to NY state customers.

As of the moment, wild mushrooms are not approved for sale to NY restaurants as per NYSDOH.

Sign Up for New York Certification

NEW HAMPSHIRE  (Includes Additional Health Safety Protocols) 

Approved Species List (Tier 1) :

  • Chanterelles (Cantharellus spp. Exception C. persicinus) 
  • Morels (Morchella spp.) 
  • Black trumpet (Craterellus fallax) 
  • Lobster (Hypomyces lactifluorum) 
  • Lions mane / Pom Pom / Bearded tooth / Bear’s head (Hericium spp.)
  • Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp. Exception Pleurotus levis, P. dryinus)
  • Cauliflower (Sparassis spp.) 
  • Maitake / Hen of the woods (Grifola frondosa) 
  • King bolete / Porcini / Cep / Steinpilz (Boletus edulis group: Boletus edulis,  Boletus atkinsonii, Boletus chippewaensis, Boletus nobilis, Boletus separans,  Boletus subcaerulescens, Boletus variipes) 
  • Matsutake (Tricholoma magnivelare) 
  • Wine Cap / King Stropharia / Garden Giant (Stropharia rugoso-annulata) 

New Hampshire Requirements: Harvest Log, Tracking numbers on Boxes and  Invoices. Restaurants retain records for 90 days.  

143-A:23 Labeling Requirements; Recordkeeping. –

I. All mushrooms harvested by a person licensed under this subdivision for sale shall be labeled with the following:

(a) The name, address, and license number of the licensed mushroom identifier,  harvester, and distributor. 

(b) The species of mushroom. 

(c) The weight sold. 

(d) The date of harvesting. 

(e) The county of harvesting

II. A copy of such label shall be retained by the licensed mushroom identifier, harvester, and distributor for one year, as well as information on the specific harvest location of all mushrooms harvested.

III. A copy of such label shall be retained by the food service establishment for 90 days. IV. Such records shall be available for inspection upon request by the department of  health and human services and the department of agriculture, markets, and food. 

Chapter 143-A Food Service Licensure – https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/X/ 143-A/143-A-mrg.htm 

Upon successful completion of the course, the permit holder must submit the Wild Harvested Mushroom application with the State of New Hampshire Department of  Health and Human Services in order to be able to offer mushrooms to retail food  establishments. Download application here.

New Hampshire classes will currently permit you to sell mushrooms only in New Hampshire.

Sign Up for New Hampshire Certification

Other species taught, as they are considered in other states

  • Candycap Mushroom (Lactarius rubidus, L. fragilis, L. camphoratus)
  • Saffron Milky (Lactarius deliciosus)
  • Hawk’s Wing (Sarcodon imbricatus)
  • Enoki (Flammulina velutipes)
  • Shrimp Russula (Russula xerampelina)
  • Umbrella Polypore (Cladomeris umbellata)
  • Green Quilted Russula (Russula virescens, Russula parvovirescens, Russula crustosa)
What is this page used for?
This page lists state-by-state approved wild mushroom species that may be legally sold under current food safety regulations, along with additional health and record-keeping requirements for each state.
Why do approved mushroom lists differ by state?
Wild mushroom regulations are set at the state level, not federally. Each state determines:

• Which species are approved for sale
• What documentation is required
• How long records must be retained

Because of this, approved species and requirements vary from state to state.
Does being on this list mean I can sell these mushrooms?
Only if you are properly certified and permitted in that state. We certify in many states!
Approved species lists work in conjunction with certification, not as a replacement for it.
Do I need certification to sell wild mushrooms?
Yes. In all participating states, wild mushrooms offered for sale must be:

• Identified by a state-approved mushroom identification expert
• Sold in compliance with state food safety laws

Certification is required even if the species is on the approved list.
What records are required to sell?
Most states require some combination of:

• Harvest logs
• Tracking numbers on boxes and invoices
• Verification or tag forms
• Restaurant record retention (30–90 days depending on state)

Specific requirements are listed under each state.
Why is record keeping so important?
Record keeping ensures traceability in the event of a food safety concern. It protects:

• Consumers
• Foragers
• Restaurants
• Markets
Why are some species excluded or restricted?
Species may be excluded due to:

• Identification difficulty
• Toxic look-alikes
• Higher food safety risk
• Limited regulatory precedent

States periodically review and update their lists as research and policy evolve.
Are these lists up to date?
Yes. The approved species lists include additional health safety protocols and are current as of July 26, 2023. Regulations may change, so always verify with your local health department.
What if a mushroom I forage is taught in class but not approved in my state?
Some species are taught because they are approved in other states or commonly encountered.
However, you may only sell species approved in your specific state, even if you know how to identify others.
Can I sell mushrooms across state lines?
No. Certification and approval are state-specific.
You must follow the regulations of the state where the mushrooms are sold, not where they were harvested.
Why is cooking emphasized in food safety education?
Most gastrointestinal issues related to edible mushrooms come from raw or undercooked mushrooms. Proper consumer education and cooking practices are an essential part of food safety.
How do I become certified?
You must complete a Wild Mushroom Identification and Food Safety Certification course approved for your state. (We teach them!)
Study materials are provided before class, and certification permits the sale of 21+ approved species, depending on the state.
Where can I find approved species for my state?
Approved species lists and requirements are organized by state on this page. Each section includes:

• Approved mushrooms
• Record-keeping requirements

Links to official state guidance when available
What if I have questions about my state’s rules?
Regulations can be nuanced. If you’re unsure:

• Review the state-specific section carefully
• Consult your local health department
• Or contact Mushroom Mountain — we’re happy to help guide you
What’s the best way to learn mushroom identification?
In our experience, the best way to learn is through hands-on study with other myco-enthusiasts!
We strongly encourage enrolling in Mushroom Mountain ID Classes to build real-world identification skills and regulatory confidence.