A fast growing, large member of the maple family with a broadly columnar to rounded habit when mature. The glossy, dark green leaves have between 3 and 5 lobes each and grow to about 10cm long. The leaves are coloured blue-white underneath and often turn brilliant red in autumn, but sometimes yellow. Dense clusters of deep red flowers open on bare shoots in early spring.

If grown on dry, alkaline soils, it may not develop the autumn colour for which it is valued.

Soil: Acid soil.

Suitable Locations: Avenues, parkland.

Other: Tolerates air pollution and wet soil.