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. May. Fruit is black and ripens in August.