Facts about Ascophyllum nodosum 

Ascophyllum nodosum is a brown seaweed that can appear somewhat greenish. It ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 meters in length and attaches to surfaces with a discoid holdfast. Its heavily branched fronds are tough and feature large, egg-shaped air bladders. 

Ascophyllum nodosum typically inhabits sheltered rocky shores in the intertidal zone, where is can quickly become the dominant species. It does not thrive in overly exposed conditions. Distribution wise, A. Nodosum is primarily found in the northern Atlantic Ocean. Its distribution includes the White Sea in Russia down Portugal along the coasts of Greenland, Iceland and Faroe Islands in Europe. It's also found in northeastern North America from Baffin Island in Canada down to Delaware in the United States. 

Ascophyllum nodosum is abundant in alginates, which are utilized as thickening agents in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It is widely used in agriculture as a natural fertilizer and soil conditioner. Additionally, it contains bioactive compounds like polyphenols with antioxidant properties. This seaweed is also high in dietary fibres, fatty acids, and essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium, along with vitamins A, B, C, and E, all of which are important for overall health.