P. xiphoides is a rare montane species which resembles irregularly branched specimens of Symphyogya but differs in having the thallus taper to a narrow point. P. xiphoides can also be mistaken for Podomitrium but has teeth on the thallus margins.

P. lyellii is very similar to P. xiphoides but the thallus doesn't taper as much and the teeth, when present, consist of a few cells while P. xiphoides has conspicuous teeth several cells long.

P. rubristipa is readily distinguished from the previous two by its dendroid habit and concave thallus. Previously, this species was called Jensenia connivens.