2.3" Paleocene Winged Maple Seed - North Dakota

This is a beautiful samara (winged fruit) likely of the genus Acer collected from the Sentinel Butte Formation of North Dakota. It is finely detailed and the light preservation contrasts well against the dark orangish-brown rock.

An Acer tree can vary in size between small and large, and are typically of temperate regions. Often called "maples", these trees produce drooping clusters of flowers, later forming the distinctive winged fruit that are typically produced in pairs. As seen by this seed, it has separated from its pair.