Branchlets and leaves are aromatic when crushed. Winter buds are small and superposed. Leaves are alternate and odd-pinnate with five to 11 leaflets per leaf.
Flowers are dioecious or polygamous and small.
Fruit is a dry follicle. Prickles are found mostly in pairs below the stipules. Leaflets are either slightly toothed or entire. Buds are reddish and woolly. Leaf scars are white.