Mushroom foraging laws in Alabama

Summary

Alabama state park rules bar destroying or removing native plants and collecting natural objects, and wildlife management area rules bar removing plants without legal authorization. Neither names mushrooms, so ask the land manager before you pick. Restaurants may sell wild mushrooms only with state approval and only listed species, including morels.

Public land

State parks: rule 220-5-.07 makes it unlawful to destroy, deface or remove any native wild or domesticated tree, shrub, plant or wildflower, and to collect or remove natural objects. Wildlife management areas: rule 220-2-.55 makes it unlawful to damage or remove artifacts, trees, firewood, plants, dirt, gravel or sod without legal authorization. Neither rule names mushrooms or defines 'plant', so it is unclear whether picking is covered; ask the park or area manager. Federal land follows its own rules.

Selling

Park rule: no person may solicit, sell or advertise in any state park without written authorization from the Director of State Parks. Food rule 420-3-22-.03: a food service establishment that wants to sell wild harvested mushrooms must get a variance approval from the health department, may use only species on the approved list, must post a consumer notice, and must keep a written buyer record for 90 days. The record must state the identifier's qualifications. The health department lists approved identification courses.

Morel sales

Morels (Morchella spp.) are on Alabama's approved list (Appendix B to rule 420-3-22-.03). The approval, notice and record rules above still apply.

Sources

• Alabama Admin. Code 220-5-.07 Conduct (State Parks)
• Alabama Admin. Code 220-2-.55 Wildlife Management Areas of Alabama
• Alabama Admin. Code Chapter 420-3-22 Food Establishment Sanitation (Dept. of Public Health)
• Alabama Dept. of Public Health - Wild Harvested Mushroom Identification Courses

Last verified: November 11, 2026