Winrock in Conway County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
Two Dominant Fossils of the Area
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, June 24, 2023
1. Two Dominant Fossils of the Area Marker
Exploring the geologic story here connects you with Petit Jean Mountain
Lepidodendron
One of the dominant tree-like plants of either the Carboniferous Period (359-299 million years ago) or the late Pennsylvanian Period (323-299 million years ago), Lepidodendron grew to heights of over 120 feet, taller than Cedar Falls. The fossil is identified by the scale-like patterns on its outer skin.
Stigmaria
Stigmaria is the root system of Lepidodendron. These tree-like plants grew in swampy areas. Petit Jean Mountain was not a mountain at the time the sediment was deposited, nor was it ocean basin. The sandstone was deposited in fluvial channels on a deltaic plain similar to the Mississippi Delta. Swamps and marshes formed on the deltaic plain.
You can see Lepidodendron fossils on Cedar Creek Trail here in the park. Trail brochures are available at the visitor center and Mather Lodge. You can also see samples of Stigmaria fossils on display at the visitor center.
Erected by Arkansas State Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Paleontology.
Location. 35° 7.225′ N, 92°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Geology of Cedar Creek Falls Overlook (within shouting distance of this marker); Special Places to See (within shouting distance of this marker); Arkansas's First State Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Rock House Cave: Rock Art (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Old Pioneer Cabin (approx. ¼ mile away); Cement Sculptures by Dionicio Rodriguez (approx. 0.7 miles away); The CCC at Petit Jean State Park (approx. 0.7 miles away); Civilian Conservation Corps and the Building of Arkansas's First State Park (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winrock.
More about this marker. The marker is in Petit Jean State Park.
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, June 24, 2023
2. Two Dominant Fossils of the Area Marker (marker on right)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 87 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 3, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
