Alnus parvifolia Fossil Leaf, Tranquille Shale, Early–Middle Eocene, Cache Creek Canada | Authentic Plant Specimen + COA

Description

Alnus parvifolia Fossil Leaf – Tranquille Shale, Early to Middle Eocene Epoch, Cache Creek, British Columbia, Canada

This exquisitely preserved plant fossil is a specimen of Alnus parvifolia, an extinct alder species that flourished during the Early to Middle Eocene Epoch, approximately 52 to 48 million years ago. It originates from the famous Tranquille Shale deposits near Cache Creek, British Columbia—part of the legendary Eocene fossil beds of the Kamloops Group.

Fossil Type & Species:

• Type: Plant Fossil (Dicot Leaf)
• Species: Alnus parvifolia
• Phylum: Tracheophyta (Vascular Plants)
• Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
• Order: Fagales
• Family: Betulaceae (Birch Family)
• Genus: Alnus (Alders)
• Described by: Originally assigned from leaf compression fossils by Knowlton & Berry in early 20th century North American palaeobotanical studies

Geological & Stratigraphic Details:

• Location: Cache Creek, British Columbia, Canada
• Formation: Tranquille Shale (part of the Kamloops Group)
• Geological Epoch: Early–Middle Eocene (Ypresian–Lutetian stages)
• Age: ~52–48 million years ago
• Depositional Environment: Eocene lacustrine (lake) and floodplain setting with fine-grained volcanic ash and clay-rich sediments
• Biozone: Associated with the McAbee flora, a lagerstätte preserving exceptional plant and insect diversity

Morphology & Features: This fossil Alnus parvifolia leaf shows:

• Elongated, elliptical to ovate shape with pointed apex
• Toothed margins (serrations) typical of alder leaves
• Clearly defined midrib and lateral veins, often visible in exquisite detail due to fine-grained shale matrix
• Symmetrical venation pattern, diagnostic for Alnus species
• Preserved in light brown to carbon-black compression against pale grey shale background

Notable: The Tranquille Shale is internationally recognized as a Konservat-Lagerstätte for Eocene plant fossils. Alnus parvifolia provides critical insights into early angiosperm (flowering plant) evolution, climate change in the post-Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) period, and the biodiversity of prehistoric North American forest ecosystems.

Specimen Details:

• Origin: Cache Creek, British Columbia, Canada
• Species: Alnus parvifolia
• Fossil Type: Compression Leaf Fossil (Dicotyledon)
• Geological Age: Early to Middle Eocene Epoch
• Formation: Tranquille Shale
• Size Reference: Scale rule cube = 1cm (see photo for full sizing)
• Note: You will receive the exact fossil specimen depicted in the photos

Authenticity & Quality: This is a 100% genuine fossil, carefully curated and professionally handled. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. No restoration, painting, or enhancement has been applied.

Why Choose This Fossil? Perfect for:

• Fossil leaf collectors and palaeobotanists
• Educational use in Earth science and plant evolution
• Museum-quality Eocene flora exhibits
• Natural history enthusiasts and gift buyers

Shipping & Packaging: All specimens are securely packed using eco-conscious materials and shipped with tracking. Fossils are handled with care to ensure safe arrival.

Own a rare and scientifically significant piece of prehistoric Canadian flora with this beautifully preserved Alnus parvifolia fossil leaf from the Tranquille Shale.

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.