Description

Species: Metasequoia occidentalis

Age: Oligocene (33.9-23 million years ago)

Location: Beaver Head County, Montana

Formation: Muddy Creek Formation

This fossil belongs to the Metasequoia (Dawn Redwood) species found in the Muddy Creek Formation of Beaver Head County, Montana. The largest branchlet measures about 1.5" in length. Originally thought to be extinct, the Metasequoia genus was rediscovered in China in 1941, earning it the label of a "living fossil." Today, it is primarily found in the wet lower slopes and montane river valleys of southeastern China, although it remains a popular choice for ornamental planting and arboretum collections.

Included with this specimen is an acrylic display stand.