Description: The thallus is a light to medium brown blade that tapers below to a tiny discoidal holdfast but lacks the complex cell differentiation of true kelps. The blade is thinner than kelps, and the margins are smooth. The thallus can grow up to 35 cm (14 in) tall. Habitat: This annual is found growing on rock in the mid intertidal to shallow subtidal from protected to semi-exposed habitats. Similar taxa:  young Laminaria, young Saccharina, Punctaria, young Hedophyllum.