Shrubs, erect, (3-)4-12(-40) dm, rhizomatous, (twigs of previous year not verrucose). Leaves persistent. Inflorescences terminal, racemes, on lateral twigs, on previous year’s shoots or older woody stems. Pedicels articulated with calyx tube. Flowers: sepals 5; petals 4-5, connate for nearly their entire lengths, corolla cylindric or urceolate; stamens 10, included; anthers ± without awns, tubules 1-1.5 mm, with terminal pores. Berries [4-], 5-, [pseudo 8-, or pseudo 10]-locular. Seeds 10-25, (ca. 1 mm).

Species 7 or 8 (1 in the flora): w North America, Mexico, Central America, n South America.