Trees or shrubs, often with very bitter bark. Lvs usually alternate, rarely opposite, usually pinnate and exstipulate, lacking translucent glands. Fls small, actinomorphic, ☿ or unisexual, usually in spikes or panicles. Calyx 3-5-lobed. Petals usually 3-5, imbricate or valvate, rarely 0. Stamens inserted near base or on margin of disc, as many as or twice as many as petals, antipetalous. Ovary superior, 2-5-lobed or carpels free. Ovules usually 1 per carpel. Styles free or united. Fr. usually drupe-like, occasionally a samara. Seed endospermic or non-endospermic.