Shrubs or shrublets, glandular-punctate. Leaves imparipinnate; stipules small or absent; leaflets many, small. Inflorescences ter­minal, racemes or spikes, these sometimes in leafy panicles. Calyx 5-toothed. Corolla reduced to just standard, embracing stamens and pistil. Stamens 10, monadelphous, sheath split adaxially; anthers uniform. Ovary sessile, 2-ovuled. Legume oblong, falcate, inde­hiscent, often densely glandular-warty, falling with persistent calyx. Seed with small hilum.

About 15 species: mostly in North America, including Mexico; one species (introduced) in China.