Laminaria saccharina
Color: Brown
Shape: Blade
Texture: Smooth with Puckers
Size: Up to 6′
Zone: Lower intertidal to subtidal, semi-protected areas, rocky areas
Range: Alaska, British Columbia, Oregon, California
Description: Wide blade with a 5–20” round stipe connected to root-like, branching holdfast. Blade may be smooth in the center and on the edges. Indentations tend to look like two rows. Blade may be torn or studded with blotchy coral encrustations.
Edibility: Delicious! Can be eaten many ways. Rich in iodine, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and other vitamins and minerals.
Distinctive characteristics:
Collection notes: Use scissors to cut the upper blade and leave the rest to keep growing.
Phylum: Phaeophyta (Brown Algae)
Previous names: Fucus saccharinus
Similar species: Other Laminaria species