CURVED Partial Leaf Fossils~Eagle Creek Formation~34-28 MYA~Middle Eocene

Description

This is a block of several partial leaf fossils from the Eagle Creek Formation, dated to 34 - 28 MYA during the middle to late Eocene Epoch. Several of the leaves have been preserved CURVED by either different speeds of the current of the debris or maybe by curving around another object that was next to it in the ash, sand and silt lahar.
The material indicates that this particular block was probably a considerable distance from the volcanic eruption which produced the debris flow (or lahar). Also indicative of that location is the fact that two sides of the block have flat surfaces where it was, more than likely, up against rocks.
The shape of the leaf tips (“drip tips”) tells us that the climate during this period was temperate, mildly wet, similar to the current climate of the PNW. Based on leaves that have been found previously in this area, I would say that the large leaf is a sweet gum, the smaller curved leaf on the other side may be from the Acer family (maples) and the larger curved leaf is probably another sweet gum.
There are many, many fossilized seeds and bits of wood in the matrix, in addition to bits and pieces of more leaves. There’s also a piece about 2” long of what looks to be horsetail fern (calamities).
The stage of maturity of the leaves and the fact that there are seeds present indicates that the disturbance occurred in either late summer or early fall.
A Dremel tool and a little patience could, possibly, reveal more of the partial leaf fossils.
The block measures approximately 8 1/2” x 6” x 3”.