Leaves have three to four pairs of short lobes with doubly serrate, or toothed, margins. The upper surface of the leaves is smooth, glossy, and a bright green color. The underside is pale green and nearly smooth. Leaf tips are acute. Fruit ripens in October.
Distribution is general over the state.
Hawthorns are pioneer invaders and do not persist in the woodlands, as they are killed by the shade of larger, climax forest trees. The leaves are broad, elliptic to obovate in outline with acute or short, acuminate tips. Leaves are medium green when mature and lighter-colored beneath. Later in the season, the hairs are confined to the veins of the leaf. Leaf margins are sharply double-toothed and often slightly lobed.