This is the species which most of the Japanese Maple cultivars have originated from. It is a complex species, rather variable, made up of several sub-species, varieties and forms.
The foliage is typically bright green. The 5 to 7 lobes are arranged in a palmated fashion. The lobes are lanceolate, sometimes very pointed and ending with a sharp point. The edges are toothed or double toothed.
These plants have an erect habit usually with a rounded top or wide foliage. They can reach, in their natural habitat 10-12 metres in height, even though this is rare with cultivated trees. They are very robust and adapt themselves to a wide range of weather and cultivation conditions. These maple trees grow on different types of soils and can be found at altitudes between 200 and 1300 metres.
They grow under variable humidity conditions but never on wet or heavy soil.