Beautiful five-to-nine-lobed leaves emerge early. The plant grows 18 feet in height with a narrower spread. Use the Japanese maple as a specimen plant. Late April into early May bring small reddish-purple flowers. The samaras, or winged fruits, mature in fall and turn a rich red. Its purplish red foliage is outstanding and does not fade in heat. Fall color is a brilliant clear red. This lovely small tree, native to the Far East, can be grown only in very protected areas if you live in Zone 5. It is an exceptional small ornamental maple.