Thymelaeaceae

Deciduous shrubs that have tough fibrous bark and flexible stems; flowering early in the spring before the leaves emerge. Leaves simple, alternate, sometimes in whorl-like clusters, on stalks, with smooth edges; stipules none. Highly poisonous to mammals; bark and fruit can be extremely irritating to mucous membranes and cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Flowers in racemes or few-flowered clusters in leaf axils or at tops of stems. Each flower radially symmetrical, and producing both pollen and seeds. Petals none. Sepals 4, fused at base to form a tube that surrounds the ovary, remaining as separate lobes resembling petals at top, or lobes very tiny. Stamens 8, in two whorls. Carpels 2, forming 1 pistil since 1 carpel remains poorly developed and non-functional; ovary located above point of attachment of other flower parts (superior), with a disc at its base and one chamber; style 1. Fruit a berry-like stone fruit.