1.8" Detailed Salix Longiacuminata Fossil Plant Leaf Eocene Age Green River Formation Utah

Salix longiacuminata, a willow species from the early Middle Eocene, is beautifully preserved in the shales of the Green River Formation across Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. Dating back approximately 53–48 million years, this fossil leaf captures delicate venation patterns, offering a detailed glimpse into the morphology and ecological role of ancient willow species.

While the Green River Formation is globally renowned for its exceptional fish fossils, its deposits also preserve a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including invertebrates, reptiles, mammals, and even rare Eocene stromatolites. Occasionally, small insects are preserved alongside the plant fossils, as seen with this Salix leaf, though insects are rarely found in the formation, adding extra significance to these specimens.

The abundance of Salix longiacuminata and other willow fossils in these lake-margin shales indicates that willows were an important component of Eocene riparian and lakeside vegetation. Their widespread presence provides paleobotanists with essential insight into the structure, diversity, and dynamics of ancient plant communities, as well as their interactions with surrounding fauna.

Ideal for fossil collectors, museums, and educators, this Salix leaf is both scientifically valuable and visually striking. Its exceptional preservation offers a tangible connection to North America’s lush Eocene landscapes, illustrating the critical role of willows and other freshwater plants in shaping prehistoric ecosystems and providing essential resources for contemporaneous animals.