Pteris cretica
Cretan brake
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Family: Pteridaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Pteris cretica (Cretan brake) is a non-native California herb in the Pteridaceae family, recognized by 1-pinnate blade with proximal pinnae larger and lobed.
Cretan brake is a naturalized perennial fern found in southern California coastal regions, San Francisco Bay Area, and San Gabriel Mountains in disturbed places at elevations below 500 meters. With a slender, short-creeping rhizome, this fern grows 15 to 70 centimeters tall with olive-green fronds that are predominantly one-pinnate in structure. Its leaves feature proximal pinnae larger than others, with one to three deep lobes that resemble smaller leaflets. The fern's fronds have one to five pairs of pinnae, with the terminal pinna distinctly larger than subterminal pinnae. Its stipe (leaf stalk) is typically longer than the blade and remains nearly smooth except at the base.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; key features are 1-pinnate blade with proximal pinnae larger and lobed
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed places
Elevation: < 500 m
Outside California: southeastern United States, native range uncertain, widely scattered in tropics, subtrops
How to tell it apart
vs Woodwardia: Pteris has continuous spore lines along veins; Woodwardia has chain-like rows of spore cases.; vs Chlorophytum: Pteris is a fern; Chlorophytum is a flowering plant with grass-like leaves and white flowers.; vs Agapanthus: Pteris is a fern with divided fronds; Agapanthus has strap-like leaves and blue/white flower clusters.; vs Phoenix: Pteris has soft fern fronds; Phoenix is a palm with stiff, spiny-based leaflets.; vs Polystichum: Pteris has thick brown/green stems and no scales; Polystichum has thin stems with brown scales.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pteris cretica native to California?
No. Pteris cretica is not native to California (recorded as not native).
What plant family does Pteris cretica belong to?
Pteris cretica is in the Pteridaceae family, genus Pteris.
What habitat does Pteris cretica grow in?
Pteris cretica grows in Disturbed places.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.