Morphologically and anatomically preserved fossil plants from Alberta, Canada: A flora that supported the dinosaur fauna during the Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian)

The Upper Cretaceous Badlands of southern Alberta, Canada has provided a unique opportunity to examine and describe numerous fossil plant species. This flora contains a variety of stems, leaves and reproductive structures. The conifers are represented by several families. These include the Taxodiaceae, Cupressaceae, Taxaceae and Pinaceae. The taxodiaceous species are the dominant component of this flora. The remaining gymnosperms are represented by the Ginkgoaceae and the Cycadaceae. The bryophytes are represented by a single species of Jungermanniales and one moss. Several taxa of filicalean ferns are also present. These include members of the Osmundaceae, Blechnaceae and the Dennstaedtiaceae. The angiosperm taxa are the most diverse group with approximately 30 to 40 species that include remains of stems, leaves, seeds and fruits. Specimens occur as compression/impressions, as silicate or calcareous permineralizations or as a combination of both silica and carbonate. The abundance and excellent preservation of these materials provide an opportunity to characterize numerous Upper Cretaceous plants. These remains also provide insights into the floral composition of the area, seasonality and plant animal interactions.