Deciduous shrub 2-5 m high. Leaves are simple. The lamina is linear, bald and leathery-like. The front leaf is dark green, the underside yellowish-green. Petiole is up to 1 cm long. The flowers are in erected terminal panicles, yellow-white. Flowering in June and July.The fruits are spherical, black, shiny berries. They contain usually 2 seeds. Shoots: Shoots are hairless or hairy, flexible. Natural range: Western, central and southern Europe, North Africa, Asia Minor, the Caucasus; in our area domestic.