This distinctive thorny evergreen shrub occurs widely in warmer regions of southeastern states, and ut is locally abundant on the Gulf Coastal Plain (W). The species was reported from Ky. by BA and K (HARL), but without details and no colls. have been located. There are a few records from cultivation in Ky. that are not included here. However, it has been mapped from several counties nearby in Tenn., s. W. Va., s. Mo. and s. Ill. (K, SE).