While paper is made from the bark in its native Japan, in the West it is regarded as a highly ornamental specimen.

A small to medium tree, it has lobed, hairy leaves, no two of which are the same shape.

Male plants have pendent catkins, while the females bear orange-red fruits.

The young stems are green and brown blotched. It does best on fertile, calcareous soil.

Mature Height: 10-15m