Lepidodendron trunk (pos/neg) with branches & nodes (315+ myo), Plainville, MA 9/4/2001

DISPLAYING CIRCULAR LEAF SCAR DIMPLES with a great look at the leaves, 315 million year old [mid-Pennsylvanian] Lepidodendron scale tree bark cast from Plainville, MA. Lepidodendron, a giant club moss, grew up to 100 feet tall. On this outing I found several sections of the same tree all with great preservation in the nodes, branchletts and leaves. Its stumps sometimes became nests or traps for primitive reptiles and amphibians. For this reason Lepidodendron stigmaria is often a sign that the area is prime for tracks. (see drawing for detail)