Like the massive fungus in today's story, sometimes the best things take time to grow. Feed Your Curiosity (this newsletter you’re reading) has been dormant for two years — a mere blink compared to the thousands of years our fungal friend has been slowly spreading beneath Oregon’s soil. Consider this our mutual reemergence.

Correction: Correction: Since I published this story, I was made aware that the Humungous Fungus was dethroned as the largest organism on Earth by a giant seagrass in 2022. I've updated this story to clarify that the Humungous Fungus remains one of the largest organisms on Earth. I regret the error.

Size Matters: A Tale of 3 Giants

What are the largest living organisms in the world? On average:

For animals, that crown goes to the blue whales 🐳, which weigh as much as 200 tons.

Regarding trees, the giant sequoias 🌲 of California (Redwoods are taller, but we're strictly talking about mass) are the biggest.

But neither of those species compares to one of the largest living organisms on planet Earth.

Meet the Humongous Fungus 🍄

Many experts think the Humongous Fungus that's been growing in remote Eastern Oregon for millennia is one of the largest living things on our planet.

Covering a land area of more than 3.5 square miles in the Blue Mountains of the Malheur National Forest, the Humongous Fungus has a total mass of more than 200 gray whales combined. Despite its gargantuan size, it's hard to spot — it spends most of its life spreading underground, infesting trees through their root systems and feeding off of them.

The Humongous Fungus is a specimen of the species Armillaria ostoyae.

Most fungal species form as mycelia, tufts of white fuzz you might see on the food you've left in your fridge for too long. Some fungi also grow mushrooms, like those cute button ones you toss on your pizzas.

But Armillaria ostoyae sets itself apart from the rest of the parasitic pack with its ability to take on several unique forms during its life stages.

How It Gets Its Nickname

Its most visible form (the only time most of us would ever notice this mammoth mushroom) is responsible for one of the most common nicknames for this fungal species: the honey mushroom. The name derives from the honey-hued mushrooms the fungus sprouts from the bases of infected trees each fall.

And yes, you can eat those mushrooms!

A few years back, I tracked down a man who has tasted a piece of the Humongous Fungus. U.S. Forest Service forest pathologist Michael McWilliams works on the national lands where the giant fungus resides. He occasionally collects the honey mushrooms in the fall for use in casseroles. McWilliams told me they have a slightly peppery flavor.

And while its size has earned it the bulk of its fame, its age is also impressive. Growing at a rate of about 1-3 feet annually, this specimen is believed to have started feasting on its patch of forestland more than 8,000 years ago. It's not alone, either. Several other giant Armillaria ostoyae specimens have been slowly eating up nearby forestland for thousands of years.

Dig Deeper

Want to learn even more about the Humongous Fungus? I'd highly recommend former "Oregon Field Guide" journalist Vince Patton's profile of the gigantic honey mushroom. It was his story that first sparked my obsession with this fungus.

Also, consider reading this 2017 article from The Atlantic’s Sarah Zhang on the fungus was discovered.

Share the Curiosity

Found this story fascinating? Share it with fellow curiosity seekers with the hashtag #FeedYourCuriosity.

Thanks for Reading Feed Your Curiosity!

Thanks for joining me on this curious adventure!

I'm Bryan M. Vance, and I spend my days hunting down stories that make people say "wait, really?" As a journalist and professional curiosity seeker, I've discovered that the world is far stranger and more wonderful than most of us imagine.

Feed Your Curiosity is my letter to fellow curiosity hunters — people who get excited about bizarre historical footnotes, mind-bending scientific discoveries, and those "how did I not know this?" moments that make life fascinating.

This newsletter has been dark for two years, but after a long hiatus, I finally have a plan to make this a regular production. Expect new stories monthly starting in February 2025, with occasional Brain Food (quick curiosity hits) updates in between.

I'd love to hear what sparked your sense of wonder. What made you stop and think today? What rabbit hole of knowledge have you fallen down lately? Just hit reply and let me know.

Until our next discovery,

Bryan