This Japanese native species of Japanese Maple has delicate foliage, dark red and purple coloration, and a graceful, naturally artistic form. This beauty belies the hardiness of the plant. It is surprisingly hardy as an understory tree in central Texas. It does demand shade, but once established is robust and water-wise. The plant is viable and thrives in USDA zones 5 through 9 when provided shelter from wind and shade. This Japanese Maple has served as the parentage of 9 exciting new species of heat-tolerant and hardy Japanese Maples including a tri-variegated variety called "Butterfly."