Plant Fossil ID, Cretaceous Pine?

[Dan Wendt]

This external mold of a plant fossil was found in the Windrow Formation, Iron Hill Member, goethite concretion near Grand Meadow, Minnesota.  The Windrow Formation is presumed to be Cretaceous but it has had very few fossils ever found.  It appears to be the twig of a pine tree with needle arrangement much like a modern Spruce tree.  It has needles that spiral up the twig. The needles appear to have a diamond shaped cross section.  Might this represent the genus Picea?  What else should I consider?  Thank you.

 

 

 

  

[Fossildude19]

Looks like a possible conifer twig. Not sure much more can be said about it, being from such a fossil barren locality. 

Great find, though! 

[Rockwood]

Or a female cone? 

[val horn]

Nice.  I would not read it as a cone. Rather to me it appears to have bilateral flattened small leaves with pronounced keel on a stem.  Not sure what to make of the diamonds on the stem. Possibly leaf scars.  If this is that rare then getting in touch with a paleobotanist is something I would suggest.  Cornell has a good paleobotany program.

[val horn]

I could not began to id the fossil. I would consider Geinitzia formosa, which has rhomboid needles that are  6 to 8 mm in length.  A micro ct scan would reveal details of its anatomy. It may or may not have leave cuticle preserved.  Cunningham like fossils also have similar leaves. Some sequoias as well.

[Plantguy]

very cool. pretty neat whatever it is...follow val horn's recommendations to have someone look at it...

Regards, Chris 

[minnbuckeye]

I do not see a photo.

[Ludwigia]

Me too. @Kane Did someone delete it?

[Dan Wendt]

I am reposting the original photo.  I do not know what happened to it.

 

Thank to all for the help.

 

 

 

 

[doushantuo]

I'd consider Pityostrobus