Published in Batsch. (1801). In: Beytr. Entw. Pragm. Gesch. Nat.-Reiche 1: 30, Nom. Illeg.
The native range of this species is as a cultigen from N. Central China. It is a shrub or tree and grows primarily in the temperate biome. It is used as a poison, a medicine and invertebrate food, has environmental uses and for fuel and food.