[3] It is a medium-sized deciduous tree growing to 15 metres (49 ft) tall with a broad, rounded crown.

The bark is greenish-grey, smooth in young trees, becoming shallowly grooved in mature.

From Acer cappadocicum it is best distinguished by the shoots which turn brown by their first winter, not remaining green for several years.

[7] Shantung maple is grown as an ornamental plant in Europe and North America.

[4][5] A number of cultivars have been selected, including 'Akikaze Nishiki' with variegated leaves, 'Fire Dragon' with very bright autumn colour.