Cretan Brake Fern

Pteris cretica L.

TARE-iss CRET-ah-cah

Ferns

Explanation of name: Generic name from Greek, pteron, wing (HUX). Cretica refers to growth on Crete.

Natural range: Widespread in Old World warm climates (JOF)

Recognition: A pinnate-leaved fern with extremely narrow segments. Perhaps best known as the cultivar ‘Albo-Lineata’ with a white streak down the center of each segment. The sporangia are marginal. There are numerous cultivars. The Asian Slender Brake Fern (P. ensiformis) is similar but with usually bipinnate (vs. usually once-pinnate) leaves. Chinese Brake or Sword Brake, Pteris vittata L., is a sun-loving, lime-loving invasive exotic (FEPPC Category II). It stands up to about 3’ tall and has once-pinnate leaves.

Landscape uses: A striking fern grown mostly in containers. Used indoors. Requires lime in the soil (JOF).

Note: HUX indicates P. cretica to be particularly easy to grow from spores.