Lepidodendron aculeatum
Division Lycopodiophyta, Class Isoetopsida, Order Lepidodendrales, Family Lepidodendraceaes
Geological Time: Carboniferous, Westphalian Stage
Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Fossil is 25 mm by 15 mm on a 50 mm by 43 mm nodule pair
Fossil Site: Mazon Creek, Pit 4, Francis Creek Shale, Braidwood, Illinois
Code: CBF03
Price: Sold
 Description:
The Mazon Creek deposits of the region near Braidwood, Illinois
rival the other famous Lagerstatten of the Burgess Shale, Solnhofen,
and Liaoning for the variety of detailed life preserved. Many  exquisitely-preserved
specimens are found in the ironstone nodules that make up the deposits.
Lepidodendron is the name given to a giant Lycopod or scale tree
which formed an important part of the coal swamps of the late Carboniferous
which grew to heights in excess of 40 meters. This specimen is
from Peabody Coal Pit 4, an uncommon source of nodules compare
to Pit 11 and Mazon Creek itslef The leaf scars make it easy to
see how the name scale tree was derived. The different scarring
shapes and patterns are what is used to distinguish the various
species of Lepidodendron. This distinctive pattern is most pleasing
to the eye. |
