Name:
Metasequoia occidentalis Frond Age: Oligocene Formation: Muddy Creek Formation Location: Beaverhead County, Montana Size: Frond is 4.6 inches long! This specimen is not for sale Click here for similar specimens that are for sale
Here is a very long frond of Metasequoia occidentalis from the Oligocene of Montana. Metasequoia was first known as a fossil from Pliocene deposits in Korea. In 1948, living specimens were discovered in a remote area of central China. Now, Metasequoia is widely cultivated throughout the world. This ''Dawn Redwood'' consists of a central stem with the individual needles oppositely attached. The frond exhibits very fine detail and has great color and contrast. The fossil is well presented on the natural-edged plate of shale that contains other plant fossils. This is a very distinct example of Metasequoia foliage from Montana.