Conifers and Cordaitales

by: Walter B. Myers/Novapix
Reference: t-glb91-04009
Date: 2010-12-14

Late Carboniferous conifers make an appearance 300 million years ago in what is today southeastern Illinois.
Fossil evidence suggests that these early conifers resembled today's Norfolk Island Pine. In this image the foreground trees illustrate three different stages of conifer growth, while in the (foggy) background are mature conifers along with towering Cordaitales. The middle foreground conifer is about 30 feet tall. The undergrowth beneath the trees represents different varieties of fern.

Contact →