Rounded or mounding habit. Single or multi-trunked.
Leaves:
Opposite, simple, 2 - 5" long, deeply lobed
usually 5 but sometimes 7 and 9 lobed. Lobes being lance-ovate to lance-oblong in shape,
acuminate, subcordate doubly serrate. Color varies on cultivar.
Culture:
Well drained acid soil and partial sun or shade.
Full shade in Zone 8.
Utilization:
An ornamental tree good around water features, as a foundation
accent plant, or as a focal point in the landscape.
Propagation:
Seeds can be sown directly in the soil before it dries on the
plant. Dried seeds need to be soaked in 110°f water for 2 days then stratified at 40°f
for 3-5months. One can have good success with cuttings taken in July, dipped in root
hormone and then placed in moist perlite and misted frequently. More info on propagation.
Disease
and Insects:
Scale and aphids can be a problem but usually not seriously. Sun
scald is not a disease but can be a problem in sunny locations.
Cultivars:There are many culivars varying in leaf shape and seasonal color, here are
just a few:
var. atropurpureum - Leaves reddish purple
'Bloodgood' - Most popular in the nursery trade, has the deepest red foliage
color.
'Burgundy Lace' - Leaf sinuses almost reach petiole and highly serrated edge.
Has a fine lacy texture. Red foliage in spring, green in summer and bronze-purple fall
color.
Size: