Produced by the Population Genetics and Evolution class, Furman University

The Carboniferous: Lepidodendron
One of the most prolific fossilized species of club moss from the Carboniferous period is Lepidodendron, a lycopod that grew to heights of 54 m (Illinois State Museum Society 2003) in dense stands in the coal swamps that were so widespread in Europe and North America during that time (Paleo Direct, Inc. 2000). They comprised over ninety percent of coal from Pennsylvanian age coal beds, which include all of the coal in the state of Illinois (Illinois State Museum Society 2003). The genus’s most outstanding feature besides its tremendous height is the scaled pattern of leaf cushions on the trunk, which have been remarkably well preserved and characterized (Paleo Direct, Inc. 2000). It is known to have had a very tall, thick (up to six feet diameter) trunk and branches at its top with leaves and cones, the latter presumably for reproduction (Hieb 2008). In fact, specimens are so detailed and complete that studies of individual cells have revealed much of the physiology, both internal and external, of the genus, including divergences from other species in formation of the cortical meristem (Eggert and Kanemoto 1977). Known descendents of Lepidodendron are modern club mosses, quillworts, and spikemosses (Hieb).

Page by Will Towler
Imprint of Lepidodendron. Photo from: Paleo Direct, Inc.

Illinois State Museum Society. 2003.DimMazon Creek Fossils: Lepidodendron Tree. Accessed March 3, 2010.

Paleo Direct, Inc.2000. Ultra rare giant Lepidodendron imprint on Ruhr sandstone slab. Accessed March 2, 2010.

Hieb M.2008. Fossil Plants of the middle Pennsylvanian Period: Lycopods. Plant Fossils of West Virginia. Accessed March 2, 2010

Eggert D, Kanemoto N. 1977. Stem phloem of a modern Pennsylvanian Lepidodendron. Botanical Gazette. 138: 102-111.