Plants arborescent, 30–50 dm. Stems: thorns on twigs 2–4 cm. Leaf blades 4–6 cm, at early anthesis larger than flowers. Flowers: anthers white to pale pink. Pomes burgundy, sometimes darker.

Flowering May–Jun; fruiting Sep–Oct. Open, dry brush; of conservation concern; 300–400 m; B.C.

Variety sheila-phippsiae is locally frequent in the northern Okanagan of British Columbia.