Rockweed - Fucus gardneri
Rockweed is a common marine algae found in the middle intertidal along coastal British Columbia.
Photography: Warren Appleton, RPBio
Common Names
Rockweed
Family
Fucaceae
Elevations
Upper to Middle Intertidal
Distribution
Alaska to Mexico
Community
Marine intertidal communities.
Substrate
Bedrock and other hard substrates
Shade
Does not do well in the shade.
Moisture
Plant is used to extreme desication.
Reproduction
The tips of mature individuals swell up and provide flotation for the plant as well as reproductive chambers for developing sperm and eggs. During low tide, the swollen tips dry up squeezing out sperm and eggs which unite into a zygote during the next flood tide and settle onto a substratum.
Size
Individuals grow to 40-50 cm. The flattened dichotomously branching body has a prominent midrib running up the center of the branches. Healthy branches are ~ 15 mm wide.
Attachment
Holdfast
Duration
Can live up to 4 years.
Wave-Exposure
Low or High
Habitat Significance
Significant spawning habitat for herring. Significant fish habitat.
Mistaken Identity
A closely related species, Fucus spiralis may occur in the same area as F. gardneri but tends to grow a bit higher in the intertidal. Its blades tend to twist especially when dried out. Another distinction is the presence of tufts of hairs growing in pits on the surface of the blades of F. spiralis. In the past Fucus gardneri was referred to as Fucus distichus. The 2006 seaweed key for our area suggests that the name may revert back to F. distichus in the near future.
Other Use
Native Americans historically harvested the dried swollen tips of Fucus - sometimes referred to as “Indian pop corn”.
Balanced Environmental Services Inc. does not authorize the reproduction of any images, documents or other information contained within. The environmental consulting information provided does not necessary reflect the views of those parties identified. Any copying in part or in whole of any of the information presented on this site is strictly prohibited without the written consent of Balanced Environmetnal Services Inc.
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Rockweed is a common marine algae found in the middle intertidal along coastal British Columbia.
Photography: Warren Appleton, RPBio
Common Names
Rockweed
Family
Fucaceae
Elevations
Upper to Middle Intertidal
Distribution
Alaska to Mexico
Community
Marine intertidal communities.
Substrate
Bedrock and other hard substrates
Shade
Does not do well in the shade.
Moisture
Plant is used to extreme desication.
Reproduction
The tips of mature individuals swell up and provide flotation for the plant as well as reproductive chambers for developing sperm and eggs. During low tide, the swollen tips dry up squeezing out sperm and eggs which unite into a zygote during the next flood tide and settle onto a substratum.
Size
Individuals grow to 40-50 cm. The flattened dichotomously branching body has a prominent midrib running up the center of the branches. Healthy branches are ~ 15 mm wide.
Attachment
Holdfast
Duration
Can live up to 4 years.
Wave-Exposure
Low or High
Habitat Significance
Significant spawning habitat for herring. Significant fish habitat.
Mistaken Identity
A closely related species, Fucus spiralis may occur in the same area as F. gardneri but tends to grow a bit higher in the intertidal. Its blades tend to twist especially when dried out. Another distinction is the presence of tufts of hairs growing in pits on the surface of the blades of F. spiralis. In the past Fucus gardneri was referred to as Fucus distichus. The 2006 seaweed key for our area suggests that the name may revert back to F. distichus in the near future.
Other Use
Native Americans historically harvested the dried swollen tips of Fucus - sometimes referred to as “Indian pop corn”.
Balanced Environmental Services Inc. does not authorize the reproduction of any images, documents or other information contained within. The environmental consulting information provided does not necessary reflect the views of those parties identified. Any copying in part or in whole of any of the information presented on this site is strictly prohibited without the written consent of Balanced Environmetnal Services Inc.
Employee Login