This ornamental shrub has been reported to escape locally in humid cool temperate regions of North America (K, W). The only Ky. record is a recent vegetative coll. by JC (for EKU) in young woods at the Beargrass Creek Nature Preserve in JEFF. Further study is desirable to confirm identification and assess the degree of naturalization. Only one individual has been found at the site so far. The evergreen relative, P. serratifolia (Desf.) Kalkman, is widely planted in warmer regions and has locally escaped in southern states (K). Although much used as an urban shrub in China, the "semen-like" smell of its flowers has raised issues (Zhang et al. 2019).