This illustrates the alternating branch structure of Lepidodendron.

The grass-like leaves of lepidodendron are visible in the surrounding shale (see closeup). Such leaves attached at the small diamond-shaped structures that are aligned in spiral rows around the outside of the specimen.

CREDIT: Thanks goes to Brian Mills for this specimen.

Rock Type: Dark shale
Formation: Allegheny
Interval: Middle Kittanning Seam (roof)
Age: Middle Pennsylvanian Period, approx. 303 million years.

 

Location: Upshur County, West Virginia; Sago Mine, located just north of the Buckhannon River off Route 20, about 3.5 miles south of Buckhannon, West Virginia.

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