Mapping here is provisional. This Japanese species has become locally common in mid- to cool-temperate zones of eastern North America. It was first recorded from Ky. by "Lone" in 1951 (from JEFF at AP)SC, as perhaps escaped, and by Woodward (1967) as escaped in 1968 (from OLDH at APSC). Most published records come from the recent work of CW and associates. L.obtusifolium has often been confused with other species, including amurense. At least some of the colls. mapped here may refer to the popular hybrid with ovalifolium known as "Ibolium Privet" (X ibolium Coe), which has been grown in Ky. (perhaps including "ibota" of Gm). Compared to sinense and vulgare (Flora of China 15, p. 299; W), typical obtusifolium has relatively long corolla tubes (ca. 2-3 x lobes versus 0.8-1.2). Inflorescences are relatively short (1.5-4 cm versus 3-11 cm) and dense, but showy and early. Leaf blades tend to be narrower (L/W mostly 2.5-3 versus 2-2.5), more deep glossy green, and sparsely hairy to glabrous (versus often densely hairy on midvein). Young twigs are more conspicuously dense short-pubescent. Lower parts of older stems often develop thorny spur-branches ca. 1-3 cm long, with bases ca. 0.5-1 cm wide, tapering to rigid points. No other species of Ligustrum in North America is known to have this thorny feature (from pers. obs. and http:// www.illinoiswildflowers.info/ trees/plants/ border_privet.html).