The Japanese Shishigashira Maple has a dense, upright habit.  The leaves are small, rich green, and grow in clumps along the stems.   They turn bright red to yellow in the fall.  The tree can reach 7 to 10 feet tall but is slow-growing.  It has an upright, oval form that is somewhat irregular.  It works well as an accent tree in sheltered areas and as an understory tree.

This tree prefers part sun, moist, well-drained soils, and shelter from too much wind.