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Seaweeds | Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactuca)
Seaweeds | Sea Lettuce
Sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca) is a membranous green seaweed that can grow to lengths of 40cm. Sea lettuce will grow attached to rocks and can often be found in rock pools and strewn about the beach. The fronds of the sea lettuce are usually irrgular and tattered, producing a lettuce-like appearance.
Sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca) is very common on British beaches and coastal areas. Here's a quick overview of its presence and characteristics:
Where It's Found
All UK coasts: Sea lettuce is widespread and can be found from Cornwall to Scotland.
Sheltered areas: It thrives particularly well in estuaries, bays, and rockpools, where water movement is gentler.
Floating colonies: Detached fronds can continue to grow and form large floating mats in the sea.
What It Looks Like
Bright green, translucent, and ruffled—like floppy lettuce leaves.
Grows up to 20 cm long and 30 cm wide.
Only two cells thick, making it delicate but tough in texture.
Bonus Fact: It's Edible!
Known as "green laver", it’s sometimes used in Welsh laverbread or in Asian cuisine.
Rich in vitamin C and iron, and part of the UK's rich tradition of coastal foraging.
If you're heading to the beach and spot some vibrant green seaweed clinging to rocks or floating in the shallows—chances are, you're looking at sea lettuce.
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Photo credit(s): Canva Pro Licence
