Bahama Brake Fern

Bahama ladder brake hybridizes with the non-native and invasive China brake (P. vittata) forming Delchamps' ladder brake (P. x delchampsii). Bahama ladder break is threatened with extinction due to this hybridization. Because of this, we do not recommend planting Bahama ladder break -- if we plant it and there is any China brake around, we exacerbate the problem. When you find this plant in nature, please enjoy it there.

Listed as threatened by the state of Florida.



Grows in clumps. Unusual in that it thrives in high light, but needs moist soil.

Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water.



Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

Needs periodic removal of old fronds -- cut the clumps back in winter or early spring.

Pine rockland, sinkhole (edges). On limestone.

• Interesting foliage