This Chinese shrub has been planted widely in southeastern states during recent decades, often under the cultivar name "Manhattan", which is highly tolerant of eutrophic condtions (e.g. Belt 2015). It has often escaped at some localities, especially in warmer coastal regions (W, PL). In Ky. kiautschovicus is probably much more frequent than records suggest. It is a poorly defined taxon that has been combined with fortunei in some treatments (e.g. Flora of China Vol. 11; J.S. Ma in Y), but its shrubby non-climbing habit is quite distinct. Flowering occurs on free standing plants only 1-2 m tall, with no dependency on climbing stems as in fortunei. Its leaves tend to be larger (mostly 5-10 cm long versus 2.5-5 cm), and they lack variegation or purplish winter color. E. kiautschovicus may be close to the Sino-Himalayan species, E. vagans Wallich in Roxb., and to the southeast Asian species, E. tonkinensis (Loesener) Loesener (Flora of China Vol 11.). It appears generally intermediate between E. fortunei and E. japonicus Thunb. The latter is an even more robust Japanese shrub or small tree that has been widely planted for ornamental use (including variegated cultivars), and that does escape in warmer regions of southeastern states (W). It has relatively tall habit (up to 4-8 m); large leaves (mostly 5-10 x 3-5 cm ); and dense inflorescences with large capsules (mostly 6-9 mm wide). Further work is need to clarify distinction.