Phyllospadix serrulatus

Serrulated surfgrass

Authority: Ruprecht ex Ascherson

The long, narrow leaves, to 1 m (39 in) long and 0.8 cm (0.3 in) wide, have serrated margins that can be felt by stroking the leaf margin. The five (or seven) veins running the length of the leaves are the vascular bundles containing xylem and phloem. The leaves are anchored to the substrate by rhizomes; each rhizome node has two roots.

Habitat

This species prefers exposed coastlines; it forms a patchwork of beds from mid to low intertidal on rock ramps and boulder fields. Its root system can collect sand, providing a protective habitat for many marine invertebrates.

North Pacific Distribution

Chirikof Island and south side of the Alaska Peninsula, Alaska to Cape Arago, Oregon

Similar taxa

See Phyllospadix scouleri, which occurs lower in the intertidal and does not extend as far north, and Zostera marina, which is found on soft or mixed substrates.

Last updated December 26, 2010