Thongweed by Paul Taylor

Thongweed

One of the longest seaweeds native to the UK, thongweed helps create a beautiful underwater forest to rival that of any on the land!

Scientific name

Himanthalia elongata

When to see

February - November.

Species information

Statistics

2m long.

Common.

About

This common brown seaweed, grows up to 2m long and has two distinct stages. It starts off as a tiny olive-green button attached to the rock, before long strap-like reproductive fronds grow rapidly between February and May.

How to identify

Button or mushroom like projections appear up to 2cm wide, from which long, thin, green-brown straps grow for up to 2m, branching into two as they go.