Horsetail Kelp (Laminaria digitata)

Tidepool Tim says,  “Horsetail kelp is a very impressive seaweed! The short, thick 'stipe can be as thick as a man's thumb. It grows along the shore only in the areas with the most water flow or current. At low water, the stipes stick up from below while the blades are bent at an angle down under the water. This kelp is a very popular species for human consumption and is called kombu when it's cut into small pieces and dried for sale.  Kombu is very popular in Asian cultures and is a great source of micro-nutrients in soups, salads, or just toasted in the oven. Once out of the water for just a couple hours, this kelp starts to release a very thick gelatinous slime or goo. The stipe can be sliced into small pieces and eaten as kelp "noodles".  Horsetail kelp is much smaller, but very much like bull kelp that lives on the west coast of the U.S.”