Saccharina sessile (C. Agardh) Küntze is a common kelp of the low intertidal and resembles a giant cabbage. It is also referred to as the stipeless kelp since the blade is attached directly to the holdfast. This kelp was formerly known as Hedophyllum sessile (unitl 2006). The name Hedophyllum comes for the greek words for seat (hedos) and leaf (phyllum) (1).

Saccharina sessile blade morphology differs in exposed and sheltered areas. (see morphology section for more details)

Saccharina sessile also responds differently to trampling depending on its hydration state. (see trampling study section)

Webpage created by:

Kristina Sawyer
Zoobots 2008
Friday Harbor Labs, U of W