Winged Kelp (Alaria marginata)

Winged kelp draped over other algae and anemones (photo credit: Katie Corliss)

Description: Winged kelp is typically around 20 cm wide and can be 3 m long! They are most easily identified by the pronounced mid-rib down the center of the kelp and ruffled edges on the “wings.” At the base of the main blade, there is a small stipe. There may also be many smaller (10-25 cm) blades coming off the stipe that don’t have mid-ribs. These are sporophyll blades - blades containing reproductive spores and may grow in groups of as many as 40 blades at a time.

Habitat: You can find winged kelp attached to hard substrates from the mid to low intertidal zones. They range from Kodiak Island, Alaska to Point Conception, California.

Tide Pool Tidbits:

  • Winged kelp are annuals, only living 1 year, and will release microscopic spores before dying off.

  • This kelp is frequently eaten in many different ways. It can be dried for soups and stews, deep fried like potato chips, or eaten fresh in salads.

References: Seaweeds of Alaska, The New Beachcomber’s Guide to the Pacific Northwest by J Duane Sept