The pome matures in August or September and has a mealy, sweet pulp. The branches are widespreading with numerous large, stout, and straight to slightly curved thorns. Frosted hawthorns are pioneer invaders and do not persist in the woodlands but are common in abandoned fields and fence rows, as are other hawthorns. Leaves generally have wedge-shaped bases. They have irregularly doubly toothed margins with four to five pairs of short, acute lobes.
Leaves are red when unfolding and later become bluish-green above and paler and smooth beneath.
May. The fruit is apple green and smooth when nearly ripe, finally turning dark purple when fully ripe. The yellow flesh is sweet when it matures in October. Branches are horizontal or spreading, and form a flat-topped tree. Thorns or spines are short and stout. The tree is not as heavily armed as most hawthorns.