A robustly growing tree, particularly when young, with a relatively narrow, vertical manner of growth. Branches protrude later, so the crown becomes oval to round. Height 12 - 15 m, width approx. 5 - 8 m. The greyish brown bark is rough and deeply grooved. Young twigs are bright brown and have striking wine-red thorns that later turn brown. The compound leaves consist of 9 to 19 elliptical, leaf segments that are 2 – 4.5 cm in size. The leaves have an orange-yellow colour when they emerge, turn greenish yellow in summer, and deep golden yellow in the autumn. 'Frisia' leafs out late and keeps its leaves long into the autumn. Flowers and fruit only rarely appear on the tree. Grows well in light, calcareous soil, has a superficial root system. Given the tree's sensitivity to wind, it should preferably be planted in a sheltered site.