Laminaria nigripes is a species of kelp found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific within Arctic and subarctic waters including Vancouver Island, Haida Gawaii, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Downeast Maine, and the Bay of Fundy.

Part of the reasoning behind the proposed switch is bringing L. nigripes and its closest known relative, Saccharina subsessilis, together on the phylogenetic tree.

In addition to H. nigripes and H. subsessilis, the genus Hedophyllum would contain the species H. bongardiana, H. dentigera, H. druehlii, and H. sessilis.

[1] In addition to the similar blade morphology, the difficulty of correctly identifying a sample via mucilage ducts has added further confusion.

[6] As an individual matures, the stipe can be lost but may remain, and the blades often become smooth and cordate with lacerations.

[3] During the Cretaceous through Pleistocene eras, tectonic plate movements and glacial periods continually changed the seaways into and out of the Arctic.

[4] Within its range, L. nigripes is most often found in areas of rocky, intertidal zone with moderate to high wave action.

[5] L. nigripes has to cope with and adjust to sea ice cover, low temperatures, and unique light conditions.

[7] With the ice cover and high latitude of these areas, there is a wide range in the amount of light available at certain times for photosynthetic organisms, and there is a rapid increase of light available as the ice cover breaks up.

[7] L. nigripes may utilize the cold water of these areas to reproduce by spreading spores and to support early development.

[5] Because L. nigripes prefers areas with moderate to high wave action, it shares that space with L. digitata in the Bay of Fundy.