'Beni Maiko' is a striking tree shrub which produces fire-red leaves in early spring. As they mature the leaves appear thin in texture and fade to pinkish-red with green undertones. During the summer the leaves become greenish-red with the main veins remaining red. In the fall the leaves turn a deep pinkish-red which spreads to the center of the leaf until the whole leaf lights up. 'Beni Maiko' grows 4-6 feet in 10 years. Mature plants are not expected to exceed 8 feet. 'Beni Maiko' is consistently compared with other brilliant scarlet cultivars such as 'Shin Deshojo' and 'Osakazuki' although this one is not as brilliant. The irregular leaf shape of 'Beni Maiko' adds to this beautiful tree. In Japan it is considered more brilliant than most all the maples. This maple is an extremely exciting plant especially when it contrasts with different colored plant foliage. 'Beni Maiko' is very adaptable to containers. The name 'Beni Maiko' means "Red Haired Dancing Girl."