Symphoricarpos is a restricted genus comprising about 15 species of shrubs in the family Caprifoliaceae. Most are native to North and Central America, Symphoricarpos sinensis being the only species with origins in western China. They are shrubs that grow up to 2 m tall, with slender, upright branches. They are planted ornamentally in parks and gardens as hedges, but also as solitary specimens or clumps of bushes. The name of the genus comes from ancient Greek and means "fruit borne together", referring to the raceme arrangement of the fruit.