An outstanding cultivar of Japanese Maples, Acer palmatum 'Emperor I' is a small, upright, wide-crowned tree of great beauty in all seasons. The delicate foliage of large, 5-7 pointed, lobed leaves emerges deep purple-red in spring, holds its colour throughout summer, and turns vibrant crimson-red in fall before shedding to the ground. As the leaves fall, they expose the blackish-red bark, adding interest to the winter landscape. Vigorous, this graceful maple tree stands out in the landscape and is suitable as a focal point or as the perfect foil for a mass of green in the landscape.