when did carboniferous forests appear?
Plants Cover The Earth. The Carboniferous Period of the Paleozoic Era began 354 million years ago. It lasted for about 64 million years, until 290 million years ago. The name âCarboniferousâ came from the large amounts of carbon-bearing coal that was formed during the period.In the United States, the Carboniferous is divided into two epochs.t lasted for about 64 million years, until 290 million years ago. The name âCarboniferousâ came from the large amounts of carbon-bearing coal that was formed during the period.