In addition to the emperor mushroom, Colorado is represented by other flora and fauna, including the lark, the columbine (a perennial flower), the claret cup cactus and the greenback cutthroat trout.

Just south of Denver lies red-painted rock formations accentuated by striking vibrant flowers in a Colorado state park ...

The Emperor mushroom joins other iconic official state symbols such as the Rocky Mountain Columbine flower, bighorn sheep, Colorado blue spruce and lark buntings to represent the Centennial State.

Colorado currently has four official symbols from the plant kingdom and eight from the animal kingdom. Naming an official mushroom would add a third kingdom of life to the parade of state symbols ...