Reviews
7.3" Shale With Two Paleocene Fossil Leaves (Zizyphoides) - Montana
These are a pair of colorful, fossil leaves (Zizyphoides flabellum) from the Fort Union Formation near Glendive, Montana. The orange/brown preservation contrasts well against the shale, and many of the details in the leaves can be seen in good relief. There may be some touchups to the surface of the leaf where some of it flaked onto the negative during collection.
This specimen includes an acrylic display stand.
This specimen includes an acrylic display stand.
About Fossil Leaves From The Fort Union Formation
Paleocene fossil leaves from Montana’s Fort Union Formation are classic snapshots of the “recovery world” after the end-Cretaceous extinction—lush, fast-changing forests that spread across warm, humid lowlands.
These leaves are typically preserved as colorful carbon films or fine impressions in soft, tan to gray mudstones and siltstones laid down on ancient floodplains, river margins, ponds, and swamps. Many specimens show crisp vein networks and margins (smooth or toothed), and some even retain delicate features like petioles (leaf stems) and subtle surface texture. Because they come from quiet-water sediments, the leaves are often flattened and beautifully detailed, making them ideal for display and for studying ancient plant diversity.
Botanically, Fort Union leaf assemblages can include a mix of broadleaf trees and shrubs—species comparable to sycamore- or poplar-like forms, laurels, legumes, and other flowering plants—reflecting dense riparian woodlands and wetland edges. Variation in size, margin type, and vein pattern across different layers hints at shifting climates and habitats through the Paleocene, when greenhouse conditions and high rainfall supported rich plant communities across the northern Great Plains.
Paleocene fossil leaves from Montana’s Fort Union Formation are classic snapshots of the “recovery world” after the end-Cretaceous extinction—lush, fast-changing forests that spread across warm, humid lowlands.
These leaves are typically preserved as colorful carbon films or fine impressions in soft, tan to gray mudstones and siltstones laid down on ancient floodplains, river margins, ponds, and swamps. Many specimens show crisp vein networks and margins (smooth or toothed), and some even retain delicate features like petioles (leaf stems) and subtle surface texture. Because they come from quiet-water sediments, the leaves are often flattened and beautifully detailed, making them ideal for display and for studying ancient plant diversity.
Botanically, Fort Union leaf assemblages can include a mix of broadleaf trees and shrubs—species comparable to sycamore- or poplar-like forms, laurels, legumes, and other flowering plants—reflecting dense riparian woodlands and wetland edges. Variation in size, margin type, and vein pattern across different layers hints at shifting climates and habitats through the Paleocene, when greenhouse conditions and high rainfall supported rich plant communities across the northern Great Plains.
$115
SPECIES
Zizyphoides flabellum
LOCATION
Glendive, Montana
FORMATION
Fort Union Formation
SIZE
Rock 7.3 x 4.6", Leaves 3.6 & 2.2" including stems
CATEGORY
ITEM
#351972
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