Shrubs or small trees, unarmed or end of twigs spinescent. Leaves simple, alternate or opposite, stipules usually present, early deciduous. Inflorescenceis variable ranging from axillary or supra-axillary cymes, dense panicles or corymbs, or reduced solitary flowers. Flowers small in Rhamnus; calyx 4-5 lobed, usually forming a short basal tube or hypanthium. Petals 5(4) or wanting and usually clwed and cucullate. Stamens are alternate with sepals and equal in number, borne at margin of perigynous disk. One ovary on or immersed in disk. Fruit is a drupe.
Introduced or found in eastern Manitoba.
Genera found in Manitoba:
Ceanothus Rhamnus