This seaweed is perennial and can have 1 to many erect blades that arise from a discoid holdfast.  The blades are spatulate and irregular in form, measuring from 15-25 cm in height.  It can be found on rocks from the midtidal to lower intertidal zones.  Distribution is from Yakutat Bay, Alaska to Santa Barbara, California.  The species is not common to the casual observer.  It was collected from rip rap on Treasure Island, in San Francisco Bay.  In San Francisco Bay there are only two other known locations for this species.  It was identified by my friend Paul C. Silva.