It can also be sheared into a hedge. The fragrant clusters of small, pale yellow flowers in spring are not particularly noticeable. The double samara fruit turns from green to brown in mid summer. The samaras of some individual plants develop a bright red coloration prior to turning brown. The dark green leaves are three lobed with a long, pointed central lobe.
Leaves develop a vivid fall color ranging from yellow to deep red.
Will tolerate shade but develops a better fall color if grown in full sun. Tolerates poor soil fertility. Reasonably drought tolerant. Subject to iron chlorosis in alkaline soils. Requires good drainage.