The 'reticulate' leaf has a network of deep green veins with light green or yellowish-green interspaces, this colour contrast is particularly visible in Spring. These bright colour shades last long, especially if the plant is not exposed to brilliant sunshine. In midsummer the leaf gets darker and the yellowish areas tend to become green. In autumn the leaves are red or of a deep greeny-red hue. Leaf size can vary according to the quality of the soil, to the site and to the vigour of the plant.
This is a rather strong plant but it does nonetheless require protecting from intense sun heat. It is a small open tree that grows up to 3 metres in height and 2 metres in width. The word 'Shigitatsu' means "snipe that squawks as it flies off a pond'.