Lepidophylloides


Lepidophylloides is the name assigned to the leaves of the Lepidodendron tree , which somewhat resemble needles of the modern spruce tree. Similar to other modern conifers, the ancient lepidodendron reproduced by cones which were attached near the termination of lepidophylloides. One such cone or Lepidostrobus _was found next to the specimen pictured below, left. Both specimens are shown actual size.

 

Rock Type: Gray shale
Formation: Kanawha
Interval: Coalburg seam
Age: Middle Pennsylvanian Period, approx. 307 million years.

 

Location: Nicholas County, West Virginia; Ramp Run Surface Mine #1, located about 12 miles north of Summersville, West Virginia. Turn west off route 19 north of Summersville onto Spruce Run Road. Follow it out the ridge about 7 miles. Turn left downhill to Bufallo Creek.

 

Rock Type: Gray shale
Formation: Kanawha
Interval: Peerless seam
Age: Middle Pennsylvanian Period, approx. 312 million years.

 

Location: Nicholas County, West Virginia; G&W Surface Mine, located 1/2 mile NE of Summersville.