Metasequoia Cone — Hell Creek Formation (66 MYA)

This authentic fossil Metasequoia cone comes from the Hell Creek Formation of North Dakota and dates to the Late Cretaceous Period, approximately 66 million years ago. Metasequoia, commonly known as the dawn redwood, is a remarkable “living fossil” — a tree that once thrived alongside dinosaurs and still exists today.

Preserved in three dimensions, this ½-inch cone represents the reproductive structure of ancient conifer forests that covered the Late Cretaceous landscape. Its excellent preservation provides a rare and tangible connection between modern forests and prehistoric ecosystems.

The specimen is securely housed in a museum-style Riker display box with an informative label, making it ideal for collectors, educators, and anyone interested in fossil plants and paleoecology.

Specimen Details

Fossil Metasequoia cone

Late Cretaceous Period (~66 million years old)

Hell Creek Formation, North Dakota

Approximate size: ½ inch

Three-dimensionally preserved

Displayed in a labeled Riker box

Ethically collected on private land with the landowner's permission and under the oversight of an academic team.