1.6" Detailed Salix Cockerelli Willow Fossil Plant Leaf Green River FM Eocene Age Utah

The Green River Formation, spanning Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming, is a renowned Lagerstätte best known for its exceptionally preserved fish fossils. However, the formation’s fossil flora and fauna are remarkably diverse, encompassing plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates such as reptiles and mammals, along with rare Eocene stromatolites. Among these treasures, fossil leaves provide an extraordinary glimpse into the vegetation that surrounded the large Eocene lakes.

One notable specimen is a fossil willow leaf exhibiting delicate venation, capturing fine morphological details that reveal its structure and ecological role. Accompanying the leaf is a small insect, though not well-preserved; insects are rarely seen in Green River fossils, making this association particularly valuable. Fossils like these highlight the complexity of Eocene ecosystems and the interactions between plants and insects millions of years ago.

Abundant plant fossils from the early Middle Eocene shales indicate that families such as this were prominent components of lake-margin vegetation. These fossils not only provide insight into the diversity and distribution of prehistoric flora but also serve as critical references for paleobotanists, educators, and fossil collectors.

Whether for scientific study, museum display, or personal collection, Green River plant fossils like this willow leaf offer a tangible connection to North America’s Eocene landscapes, preserving details of ancient lakeshore ecosystems and the plants that thrived alongside them.