Freely-branching shrubs, these fragrant plants produce separate staminate and pistillate catkins before the leaves emerge. The leaves are smooth around their margins except for the rounded teeth at the tip. Leaves also have the lower surface covered in resinous spots. The flowers arise on the past year's wood. Pistillate catkins are tiny, less than 1cm long giving rise to waxy white nutlets.

Abundant in the southwest; scattered elsewhere

Leaves may be used to freshen dressers or closets. Berries may be boiled down to release scent and wax. 4 pounds of berries may yield 1 pound of wax.

Leaves and berries have been used in herbal medicine. Their flavour is too astringent for enjoyment.