Cornaceae

Small deciduous trees, shrubs and a few non-woody (herbaceous) perennial species that usually have simple, opposite leaves (rarely alternate or so crowded as to appear whorled) with smooth edges, and parallel side veins that arch strongly as they approach the leaf margins, hairs often coated with calcium carbonate, and a stone fruit. Widespread in temperate regions. Almost any feature relied upon for identifying individual species is open to exception (Voss and Reznicek). Individual plants may produce both pollen and fruit, or just one of these.

Flowers terminal, in clusters with the oldest flower at the centre (cyme), symmetric in all directions (radially), and may be surrounded by a series of petal-like bracts. Sepals 4, usually minute, separate or fused at the base. Petals 4, small and separate, their edges adjacent to one another throughout their length without overlapping (valvate). Stamens 4, separate, equal to the number of petals and alternating with them. Carpels 2, fused and sometimes appearing to be one, style 1, stigma head-like (capitate), ovary located below the point of attachment of the other flower parts (inferior). Nectar disk located atop ovary.

Mature fruit white, blue or red with 1 or 2 stones, dispersed by birds or mammals.

Leaves mostly opposite with smooth edges, smooth to hairy, partly or fully expanded at flowering. If torn, the two portions of leaf will remain attached to one another by delicate threads. Stipules absent. Pith of stem white or brown on cut section.