This open, spreading tree is not easy to grow; it is susceptible to scab, mildew, canker, and fireblight, and it tends to biennialism without careful pruning.

The fruit of this problem child is, however, well worth the trouble; in Apples of New York, Beach calls Spitzenburg "the standard of excellence for apples of the Baldwin class," and it consistently wins the highest ratings from apple tasters. The mid-sized apple is a beautiful bright red that is speckled with yellow lenticels and its crisp, snappy flesh is yellow. Its flavor, an outstanding combination of sky-high sugars and acids, develops fully after about a month in storage. The complex, floral balance is described by Jacobson in Apples of Uncommon Character as "burnt orange, or Contreau, and (after some mellowing) lychee and roses." A favorite of cider makers, Spitzenburg is also an excellent culinary apple. It will keep well in storage through to spring.

Spitzenburg was a favorite apple of Thomas Jefferson, and he attempted to devote a significant portion of his Monticello orchard to it. It has been known since around 1790 and is a parent of Jonathan.