Pteris tremula
Australian brake
(c) Benjamin Lavin, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Pteridaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Pteris tremula (Australian brake) is a non-native California herb in the Pteridaceae family, recognized by large size (60-150+ cm) and 2-4-pinnate division.
Australian brake is a naturalized perennial fern found in the central coast and southern coastal California bioregions, growing in habitats with uncertain characteristics at elevations of 250 to 600 meters. This large fern has light green to yellow-green fronds 60 to 150 centimeters long, with stipes typically longer than the blade. Growing with a stout, short-creeping rhizome, the fern develops complex multi-pinnate leaves with many pairs of pinnae. Its intricate blade is typically 2 to 4-pinnate, with basal pinnae showing the most complex branching structure. The fronds are nearly glabrous, with minimal hair except at the base of the stipe.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; key features are large size (60-150+ cm) and 2-4-pinnate division
Habitat and range
Habitat: Habitats uncertain
Elevation: 250-600 m
Outside California: native to Australia, New Zealand, Polynesia
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 tremula native to California?
No. Pteris tremula is not native to California (recorded as not native).
What plant family does Pteris tremula belong to?
Pteris tremula is in the Pteridaceae family, genus Pteris.
What habitat does Pteris tremula grow in?
Pteris tremula grows in Habitats uncertain.
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.