Deciduous, erect to almost prostrate shrubs. Winter buds with c. 2 pairs of outer scales. Lvs simple, entire or sometimes lobed, exstipulate. Fls terminal or axillary, forming clusters or spike-like racemes; bracts and bracteoles present. Calyx 4-5-lobed, small. Corolla 4-5-lobed, actinomorphic; tube campanulate to ± tubular. Stamens 4-5, included or slightly exserted. Ovary 4-celled, with 2 fertile and 2 sterile loculi; fertile loculi with 1 ovule. Style slender; stigma capitate. Fr. a berry-like drupe with 2, ± compressed pyrenes.