| Author | L. | |
| Distribution | Piedmont and low Mountains; also Cliffs of the Neuse State Park in Wayne County. Weakley (2018) says it is becoming common in suburban areas.
Native of China; in N.A. PA to IL and KS, south to FL and TX. | |
| Abundance | Generally rare but locally uncommon. | |
| Habitat | Mesic to moist forests, alluvial forests, creeksides, along railroad, fenceline. | |
| Phenology | Flowering March-June; fruiting September-October. | |
| Identification | This is a large shrub or small tree, to 15-20 feet tall. It is known by its dark green stem and twigs, and wicked long straight thorns. The leaves are small and divided into 3 leaflets. The fruits are spherical, orangish or orange-brown, an inch across. The wood is very hard. | |
| Taxonomic Comments | Check out Weakley's (2018) comments regarding taxonomy and uses.
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| Other Common Name(s) | | |
| State Rank | SE | |
| Global Rank | GNR | |
| State Status | | |
| US Status | | |
| USACE-agcp | | |
| USACE-emp | | |
