Description: Shrubby, woody perennial well branched. The stems are edged, the older ones are woody, and the young shoots are green. The leaves are leathery, small. The false leaves, phyllocadia, are linear, rigid and pointed at the top. A dioecious plant, so male and female flowers develop on separate individuals. The fruit is a berry.

Flowering time: April-June

Habitat: woods, rocky, along old walls

Interesting fact: medicinal and edible herbs, valued in cooking. Young shoots are eaten, they have a beneficial effect on the urinary system.