This East Asian diploid was promoted for "living fences" by the USDA and other organizations from the 1930s to the 1960s (Patterson 1976). Its subsequent invasion across eastern states is a prickly example of the need for more botanical education and common sense in society. Browne (1967) provided the first verified record as a naturalized species in Ky. During recent decades, however, the species has been much afflicted with "Rose Rosette Disease"--caused by combination of mite and virus (Epstein & Hill 1999, Renz & Doll 2007, Pemberton et al. 2018). Also, Japanese Beetles and other generlist herbivores can damage plants.