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(Pteris tremula)
Australian Brake (Pteris tremula)
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Ian Armitage
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Ian Armitage
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Ian Armitage | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Ian Armitage | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-01-21T13:54:32-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Pteris tremula, commonly known as Australian brake, tender brake, or shaking brake, is a fern species native to rainforests, sheltered woodlands, and forest margins in eastern Australia and New Zealand. It is a fast-growing, evergreen fern that can reach up to 2 meters (6.6 feet) in length, featuring pale green, lacy fronds that arise from an erect, tufted rhizome covered with narrow brown scales. The fronds are long and arching, contributing to the common name "shaking brake" as they tremble in the breeze.
Australian brake fern is appreciated for its delicate appearance and adaptability in cultivation, making it suitable for shaded garden areas, as a ground cover, or in containers. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil with high organic content and prefers filtered morning light or part shade. While it is easy to grow, gardeners should be aware that it can become weedy and spread if not managed properly. In some regions, it has been known to naturalize outside of its cultivated area. To maintain its appearance, remove old fronds to encourage fresh growth. Pteris tremula does not have significant disease or pest issues, but overwatering can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Australian brake fern is appreciated for its delicate appearance and adaptability in cultivation, making it suitable for shaded garden areas, as a ground cover, or in containers. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil with high organic content and prefers filtered morning light or part shade. While it is easy to grow, gardeners should be aware that it can become weedy and spread if not managed properly. In some regions, it has been known to naturalize outside of its cultivated area. To maintain its appearance, remove old fronds to encourage fresh growth. Pteris tremula does not have significant disease or pest issues, but overwatering can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Fern
- Height: 3-4 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Shade, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Rainforests, sheltered woodlands, and forest margins in eastern Australia and New Zealand
Other Names
Common Names: Shaking Brake, Australian Brake Fern, Tender Brake, Turawera, Zitter-Saumfarn, Trembling Fern
Scientific Names: , Pteris tremula, Pteris affinis, Pteris tremula var. pectinata, Pteris arguta var. tremula, Pteris baueriana, Pteris chrysocarpa, Pteris tenuis, Pteris tremula var. caudata, Pteris tremula var. minor,
GBIF Accepted Name: Pteris tremula R.Br.