Mycology is the study of fungi, including researching and collecting knowledge surrounding fungi. Mycophagists are the people who forage for these mushrooms which are often informed and led by mycologists. Many mycologists focus on the broad category of fungi, including mushrooms, toadstools, mildews, molds, rusts, smuts, yeasts, and shelf-like conks that grow on trees (Dugan 2008). Within folklore, the most popular fungi most people will encounter is the red and white Amanita mushroom, commonly associated with a "magic mushroom" (Whelan 1994). Within the world of fungi, many people use art, stories, and even pop culture imagery to display their love of fungi and connect.​

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Mushroom foraging is a part of various cultures around the world. Within the United States, foragers typically hunt in the fall and spring for both consumption and artistic reasons (Dugan 2008). Some people will collect shelf mushrooms, commonly known as artist’s conk, to create various pieces of artwork by etching into the mushroom. Others will collect edible species to sell at markets and restaurants (Dugan 2008). Many mushroomers also hold norms of behavior which include concepts of sharing and respecting the environment. Within mushrooming, stories of foraging and other jokes are shared between the community. These tales focus on hardship stories, sad stories (of missing out on certain, desired fungi), and treasure stories (which also include stories of “bragging rights” of extraordinary finds) (Dugan 2008).