This is widely planted across southeastern states, and reportedly naturalized in some localities (K, W; Nesom 2010d). In Ky. and Tenn. (D. Estes, pers. comm.), plants are occasionally found in woods near residential areas, especially along suburban streambanks. It is possible that local dispersal of seed, tubers or divisions is occurring, but the degree of naturalization in these states remains uncertain; some wilder occurences may result from dumping of disused plants. The species is highly variable; 2n = 36, 78, 108, 112. Further study of some material is needed to check on identification versus L. spicata Loureiro, which has shorter spikes, paler flower color, more spreading rhizomatous growth (plus tubers as in muscari), narrower and shorter leaves. That species has been recently reported to have spread into the garden of J. MacGregor in Nicholasville (JESS). Tubers of both species have a history of medicinal use in East Asia, containing unusual saponins with anti-cancer potential and other effects (e.g. Wu et al. 2017). These plants have remarkably dense rhizome and root systems which appears ideal for stabilizing erodible ground in sun or partial shade; the tubers probably allow local vegetative spread by animals and by water..