Shrubs, rarely small trees. Leaves opposite or alternate; stipules reniform or ovate, large; leaf blade linear to rarely elliptic-oblanceolate, densely tomentose when young, margin glandular dentate. Catkins sessile; bracts black or reddish brown, villous. Male flower: glands adaxial; stamens 2; filaments connate partly or throughout, glabrous. Female flower: ovary densely tomentose; style long or short.