Ulva is very common along California in bays as well as heavily exposed
sites and easily recognized by the small holes in the thallus.
Ulva is a genus of algae that includes species that look like bright green
sheets and live primarily in marine environments. They can also be
found in brackish water, particularly estuaries. They live attached to
rocks in the middle to low intertidal zone, and as deep as 10 meters in
calm, protected harbors. Ulva are usually seen in dense groups.
Commonly known as the sea lettuce or the green laver, Ulva species can
be eaten in soups and salads, and used as a substitute for nori (Porphyra), the popular
seaweed in sushi. Ten species of Ulva exist worldwide, all of which have representation on
the coast of California. The shapes of Ulva are quite varied- circular to oval to long and
narrow, ranging in size from microscopic to 65 cm. They have fine, silky textures with
waved or ruffled margins. The delicate blades of Ulva are usually only 40 microns thick.