Nori, Laver, Black Seaweed

Porphyra abbottae, Porphyra perforata and other similar species

Color: Brown (Greenish, Purpleish or Nearly Black)
Shape: Sheet
Texture: Smooth
Size: Up to 1’
Zone: Intertidal
Range: Alaska to Mexico

Description: Thin, nearly transparent sheets grow clinging on rock. Tiny holdfast. Can appear ruffly. Porphyra abbottae is slightly longer and narrower; Porphyra perforata may have small holes. 

Edibility: Delicious! This is the seaweed used to make sushi and is eaten widely in Japan and throughout the world. Porphyra abbottae is considered the tastier species in our area. 

Distinctive characteristics: 

Collection notes: Be sure to rise off critters living in this seaweed. 

Phylum: Rhodophyta (Red Algae)
Previous names:
Similar species: Porphyra abbottae, Porphyra torta, Porphyra nereocystis, Porphyra perforata, Porphyra laciniata, Porphyra pseudolinearis, Porphyra kurogii, Porphyra fuciola, Porphyra cuneiformis. Several similar species. Some of the blades are round, others are long and narrow. All are edible. It is also similar to the edible Smithora naiadum that grows on eel grass.

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