Common Plant Fossils

Cycads

• Cycads are plants that were most prolific during the Jurassic period, and they have the distinction of being among the most primitive seed bearers. They are related to the modern conifers, and like conifers, their seeds are found in a cone. A good cycad fossil will have narrow leaves radiating from either side of a thin stem. The leaves are perhaps the most desirable, but fossil impressions of the seeds tend to be much more common.

Ferns

• Ferns have existed on the Earth as they are for millions of years. The first ferns appeared about 300 million years ago during the Carboniferous period. Though today's ferns are typically found in wetlands, there was a time when the climate of the Earth allowed for them to flourish everywhere. Ferns make for striking fossils, and, in many cases, they may be distinguished by the herringbone pattern that their leaves left in the stone.

Amber

• Amber is the fossilized resin of sap from a certain species of pine tree. Amber is a widely regarded as a semi-precious stone. The Baltic region is most famous for this substance, but it can also be found in various places in North America, Southeast Asia and Europe. Amber may have bits of animal or plant matter trapped in it as well. This substance can range in color from pale yellow to dark green and is translucent when held up to the light.

Gingko

• Ginkgo fossils date back 240 million years, and though today we only have one ginkgo species left, there was a time when this type of tree was extremely common. The fan-like leaves of the ginkgo have changed little and can easily be distinguished in a fossil. It is also worthwhile to remember that fossilized ginkgo seeds are easier to find than fossilized ginkgo leaves.