#Alethopteris fossil

[uk-fossils]

Alethopteris Fossil Leaf Fern – Carboniferous Coal Measures – Radstock, Somerset, UK – Authentic Plant Fossil

Authentic Alethopteris Fossil Leaf Fern – Carboniferous Coal Measures – Radstock, Somerset, UK

This listing features a beautifully preserved fossilised leaf of Alethopteris, a type of seed fern (Pteridospermatophyta) common in Carboniferous coal swamps. This specimen was excavated from the historic Coal Measures strata in Radstock, Somerset, and dates to the Late Carboniferous Period (Pennsylvanian Subsystem), approximately 310 million years ago.

Geological & Palaeobotanical Details:

Fossil Genus: Alethopteris

Family: Alethopteridaceae

Order: Medullosales

Class: Pteridospermatophyta (Seed Ferns)

Geological Age: Carboniferous (Pennsylvanian)

Formation: British Upper Coal Measures

Depositional Environment: Moist, equatorial deltaic swamp with fluctuating water levels – a habitat ideal for dense vegetation and coal formation

Location: Radstock Coalfield, Somerset, United Kingdom

Morphological Features:

Distinctive bipinnate fronds with symmetrical leaflets (pinnae)

Prominent midribs and lateral venation typical of seed ferns

Leaves believed to belong to seed-bearing plants, now extinct

Biozone (if assigned): Typically associated with Lenisulcata or Gastrioceras ammonoid zones regionally

Fossil Identification: Described and classified in the 19th century; remains a key taxon in palaeobotany due to its prevalence and role in coal formation

Specimen Notes:

Discovered by: UKGE team members Alister and Alison

Discovery Date: 06 March 2025

Preparation: Cleaned, stabilised, and prepped by Alison

Condition: Well-defined fossil on natural matrix, showing clear detail of fossilised leaf structure

Photography: Scale cube = 1cm. Photos show actual specimen – what you see is what you will receive

Authenticity: Comes with Certificate of Authenticity – all fossils sold by us are genuine and responsibly sourced

Why Choose Alethopteris?

Alethopteris is not only a stunning example of Carboniferous flora but also a tangible link to the lush tropical landscapes that once dominated Europe. Its role in forming the vast coal beds of the UK makes it both a beautiful and historically significant specimen for collectors, educators, or as a natural history display.

Secure a genuine piece of Earth’s botanical past today with this expertly sourced and prepared fossil fern.

[transparentfossil]

6.3" Fossil Seed Fern (Alethopteris) Plate - Pennsylvania

[actualsunflower]

BABE WAKE UP NEW FOSSILS JUST CAME IN ‼️‼️

305 MYO!!!!!! Gorgeous alethopteris seed ferns, from the Llewellyn formation in pennsylvania I love them so much

[fossilera]

This is a large plate of seed fern fossils from the Pennsylvanian aged (305 million year) Llewellyn formation of Pennsylvania. The white color of these detailed fern fossils contrasts well against the black shale they are preserved in. These plants were buried in a swamp where a low temperature, pressure, and oxygen environment the plant tissue was slowly replaced by pyrite. This pyrite was later replaced by a whitish mineral (aluminum silicate) as the fossils were buried and exposed to the heat and pressure inside of the earth. There are several types of seed ferns (which look very similar) on these plates including Alethopteris and Neuropteris. 

For sale at: https://www.fossilera.com/fossils/18-wide-fossil-seed-fern-plate-pennsylvania

[paleoplant]

Fossil Friday! Seed fern, Alethopteris, from the Carboniferous Coal Age (at The New York Botanical Garden) https://www.instagram.com/p/BojpCQwFT_C/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=5ndavsxzvg04

[uk-fossils]

British Carboniferous Fossil Plants & Leaves – Coal Measures UK, Authentic Paleozoic Specimen

An outstanding collection piece featuring authentic British Carboniferous Fossil Plants and Leaves from the classic Coal Measures deposits of the Carboniferous Period, approximately 310–320 million years ago. These fossils were formed in the lush, swampy forests that once dominated prehistoric Britain, now preserved as detailed impressions in shale or siltstone.

The fossil assemblage typically includes various species of ferns (Neuropteris, Alethopteris), seed ferns (Pecopteris), lycopsids (Lepidodendron, Sigillaria), and horsetails (Calamites), representing the dominant vegetation of the time.

Fossil Type: Fossilised Plant Impressions (Leaves, Stems, and Fronds)

Geological Age: Carboniferous – Pennsylvanian Subperiod (Westphalian Stage)

Formation: Coal Measures (Upper Carboniferous)

Depositional Environment: These plants grew in lowland tropical wetlands and coal-forming swamps. Rapid burial by sediment in oxygen-poor environments led to remarkable preservation of delicate plant structures in fine-grained muds and silts.

Morphological Features:

Detailed vein and frond impressions

Often preserved as flat carbon films or positive/negative moulds

Fronds may show branching patterns and midrib structures

Notable:

Fossils from the iconic British Coal Measures

Includes representatives of extinct tree-sized club mosses and seed ferns

Excellent for educational use, fossil collectors, and display

Actual specimen photographed – scale rule = 1cm per square

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photo displays the exact specimen offered. Please refer to the image for full dimensions.

This fossilised record of ancient forest life offers an incredible window into Earth’s prehistoric ecosystems. A classic and educational specimen from the Carboniferous coal-forming landscapes of the UK.

[uk-fossils]

British Carboniferous Fossil Plants & Leaves – Coal Measures UK, Authentic Paleozoic Specimen

An outstanding collection piece featuring authentic British Carboniferous Fossil Plants and Leaves from the classic Coal Measures deposits of the Carboniferous Period, approximately 310–320 million years ago. These fossils were formed in the lush, swampy forests that once dominated prehistoric Britain, now preserved as detailed impressions in shale or siltstone.

The fossil assemblage typically includes various species of ferns (Neuropteris, Alethopteris), seed ferns (Pecopteris), lycopsids (Lepidodendron, Sigillaria), and horsetails (Calamites), representing the dominant vegetation of the time.

Fossil Type: Fossilised Plant Impressions (Leaves, Stems, and Fronds)

Geological Age: Carboniferous – Pennsylvanian Subperiod (Westphalian Stage)

Formation: Coal Measures (Upper Carboniferous)

Depositional Environment: These plants grew in lowland tropical wetlands and coal-forming swamps. Rapid burial by sediment in oxygen-poor environments led to remarkable preservation of delicate plant structures in fine-grained muds and silts.

Morphological Features:

Detailed vein and frond impressions

Often preserved as flat carbon films or positive/negative moulds

Fronds may show branching patterns and midrib structures

Notable:

Fossils from the iconic British Coal Measures

Includes representatives of extinct tree-sized club mosses and seed ferns

Excellent for educational use, fossil collectors, and display

Actual specimen photographed – scale rule = 1cm per square

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photo displays the exact specimen offered. Please refer to the image for full dimensions.

This fossilised record of ancient forest life offers an incredible window into Earth’s prehistoric ecosystems. A classic and educational specimen from the Carboniferous coal-forming landscapes of the UK.

[uk-fossils]

British Carboniferous Fossil Plants & Leaves – Coal Measures UK, Authentic Paleozoic Specimen

An outstanding collection piece featuring authentic British Carboniferous Fossil Plants and Leaves from the classic Coal Measures deposits of the Carboniferous Period, approximately 310–320 million years ago. These fossils were formed in the lush, swampy forests that once dominated prehistoric Britain, now preserved as detailed impressions in shale or siltstone.

The fossil assemblage typically includes various species of ferns (Neuropteris, Alethopteris), seed ferns (Pecopteris), lycopsids (Lepidodendron, Sigillaria), and horsetails (Calamites), representing the dominant vegetation of the time.

Fossil Type: Fossilised Plant Impressions (Leaves, Stems, and Fronds)

Geological Age: Carboniferous – Pennsylvanian Subperiod (Westphalian Stage)

Formation: Coal Measures (Upper Carboniferous)

Depositional Environment: These plants grew in lowland tropical wetlands and coal-forming swamps. Rapid burial by sediment in oxygen-poor environments led to remarkable preservation of delicate plant structures in fine-grained muds and silts.

Morphological Features:

Detailed vein and frond impressions

Often preserved as flat carbon films or positive/negative moulds

Fronds may show branching patterns and midrib structures

Notable:

Fossils from the iconic British Coal Measures

Includes representatives of extinct tree-sized club mosses and seed ferns

Excellent for educational use, fossil collectors, and display

Actual specimen photographed – scale rule = 1cm per square

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photo displays the exact specimen offered. Please refer to the image for full dimensions.

This fossilised record of ancient forest life offers an incredible window into Earth’s prehistoric ecosystems. A classic and educational specimen from the Carboniferous coal-forming landscapes of the UK.