1.4" Detailed Cedrelospermum Nervosum Fossil Plant Leaf Eocene Age Green River FM UT

Step back approximately 50 million years with this beautifully preserved Cardiospermum fossil leaf from the Green River Formation of Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. Dating to the early Middle Eocene (about 53–48 million years ago), this specimen displays a rich, dark chocolate coloration and fine preservation, revealing delicate venation and leaf morphology characteristic of this herbaceous vine genus.

During the Eocene, Cardiospermum species were part of the diverse lake-margin vegetation that thrived around the large freshwater lakes represented by Green River shales. These fossil deposits are world-renowned for their exceptional preservation, not only of fish but also of plants, insects, reptiles, and mammals. Plant fossils like this one provide critical insight into the composition, structure, and ecological dynamics of Paleogene ecosystems.

Today, members of the Cardiospermum genus—commonly known as balloon vines—are widely distributed in warm climates, with one species considered invasive in parts of the southern United States. This continuity highlights the long evolutionary history and ecological resilience of the lineage.

Ideal for fossil collectors, educators, paleobotany enthusiasts, and museums, this Cardiospermum fossil leaf is both scientifically meaningful and visually striking. It offers a tangible connection to North America’s lush Eocene landscapes and represents the important role of herbaceous vines in prehistoric plant communities.