Acer palmatum Katsura

'Katsura' is most striking in spring.  It is one of the first to leaf out.  Its small leaves emerge a brilliant yellow edged with red before turning green for the summer.  Fall colors are bright yellow and orange.  This leaves tend to curve slightly downward, giving this tree a distinctive appearance, as its name means "wig".  'Katsura' will grow to about 10 feet in ten years.