 It is an understorey shrub, occurring in the shrub layer mixed with several genera of angiosperms such as "Rhododendron", "Camellia", "Cotoneaster", "Deutzia", "Lonicera", "Berberis", "Buddleia", "Euonymus", "Hydrangea", "Prunus" and other species.This species is exploited for its bark, twigs, roots and seeds, which contain anti-carcinogenic alkaloids, for medicinal purpose.It is also cultivated as an ornamental shrub both in and outside China.