Tsuga sp.
Hemlock, Hemlock
Family: Pinaceae · Type: Shrub · Variable; species dependent
Tsuga sp. (Hemlock) is a non-native California shrub in the Pinaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Abies: Hemlock cones hang down and are tiny (under 3 inches); fir cones stand upright like candles.; vs Conium: Hemlock is a tree with evergreen needles; poison-hemlock is an herbaceous plant with fernlike leaves and white flower umbels.; vs Pseudotsuga: Hemlock needles create feathery sprays with wedge-shaped scars; Douglas-fir has smoother twigs and larger cones with pitchfork bracts.; vs Sequoia: Hemlock has delicate needle sprays with tiny hanging cones; redwood has flat sprays of scale-like leaves.; vs Pinus: Hemlock needles attach individually; pine needles come bundled in groups of 2-5 with papery sheaths.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tsuga sp. native to California?
No. Tsuga sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Tsuga sp. belong to?
Tsuga sp. is in the Pinaceae family, genus Tsuga.
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.