Triadica sp.
Tallowtree, Tallowtree
Family: Euphorbiaceae · Type: Shrub · Not Native
Triadica sp. (Tallowtree) is a non-native California shrub in the Euphorbiaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Populus: Triadica has milky sap; poplar/cottonwood has clear watery sap.; vs Pyrus: Triadica has spike-like flower clusters; pear has showy white flowers in rounded clusters.; vs Camphora: Triadica leaves smell neutral when crushed; camphor smells strongly of menthol.; vs Cercis: Triadica has alternate leaves; redbud leaves are heart-shaped and alternate.; vs Homalanthus: Triadica leaves are egg-shaped; Homalanthus leaves are more diamond-shaped with red tints.
Frequently asked questions
Is Triadica sp. native to California?
No. Triadica sp. is not native to California (recorded as not native).
What plant family does Triadica sp. belong to?
Triadica sp. is in the Euphorbiaceae family, genus Triadica.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.