During recent decades, this Chinese species has rapidly become the most abundant species of Ligustrum across southeastern states (Ch, K, W). However, its northern limit is relatively abrupt, still with virtually no reports from Ill.,, Ind., Ohio, W.Va., Pa. and N.Y. It was first reported from Ky. by Browne (1967), much later than vulgare, but it has now become more common in some regions, especially to the south. Most Ky. records come from the recent work of CW. L. sinense has been much confused with vulgare. Its leaves tend to be more ovate (widest below the middle versus more or less elliptic), less acute (usually obtuse or retuse versus slightly acuminate), less rigid (making little sound when snapped), and often hairy below on the mid-vein (versus mostly glabrous). Twigs also tend to be more pubescent (in density or hair length). Panicles tend to be longer (ca. 4-11 cm versus 3-6 cm) and more open. Corolla tubes are relatively short, often barely exserted from the calyx (versus distinctly exerted), and often allowing anthers to be more exserted (versus included). Both species are tardily deciduous, sometimes retaining leaves into Jan during mild winters.