winged kelp
Alaria marginata
Alaria marginata, the winged kelp, is a brown alga species in the genus Alaria. It can grow up to 13 feet. Fronds are long and narrow with raised midrib and wavy edges. Each frond has two rows of several smooth, oblong, 5 inch spore-bearing blades at the base in winter.
According to a study done by Widdowson(1971), the kelp Alaria marginata has been known to occupy certain wave-exosed intertidal habitats. These habitats can be found in the northeast Pacific from Alaska to near Point Conception, California. Alaria marginata has been the dominant macroalga on this exposed mid-to-low rocky shores along the Big Sur coast of California. The kelp commonly grows in large patches, which offers habitat and sustenance for tide pool organisms.
From the article Alaria marginata on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA), quoted section by section
At the table
Alaria marginata are an edible kelp, commonly harvested in the spring and early summer to avoid frond harm from the summer storms. The upper frond and midrib can be harvested, leaving the lower portion of the frond to continue to grow. Once harvested, the alaria marginata can be used fresh or dried. To dry, fronds are hung off clotheslines for an even preservation of both sides of the kelp. The midrib of the alaria marginata can be cut out, separating the two opposing sheets and the stiffer midrib. Dried fronds can be stored in strips or pieces in a cool, dry place.
Wikipedia: “Harvesting and uses”
Where it lives
Recorded sightings
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geo-referenced records in GBIF, from museums, herbaria and field observers.
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In the stacks
Searching the stacks…
Every page naming Alaria marginata in the Biodiversity Heritage Library →
This page is assembled live from iNaturalist, GBIF, Wikipedia, the Source Library and the Internet Archive. It is not yet part of the hand-edited codex. iNaturalist taxon 124814.