Herbs, perennial. Leaves simple; leaf blade divided into irregular linear lobes. Flowers solitary, axillary or terminal. Sepals 5, divided into irregular linear lobes, persistent. Petals 5. Stamens 15; filaments broader near base. Styles apically 3-angulate. Capsule 3-locular. Seeds numerous.

Plants are bad tasting and often become invasive weeds in overgrazed areas. The seeds contain oils.

Six species: N Africa, C and W Asia, S Europe, North America; three species (one endemic) in China.