Leaves are alternate, gathered at the top of shoots, elliptic, brown strigose on both side especially on the nerves beneath.

The summer leaves are smaller than the spring ones and persistent during winter.

Bright red flowers open in April to May with leaves.

This tree is very common on the hills and low mountains in the cool to warm temperate zone.

It is cultivated for ornamental purposes and many varieties.

Distribution ; Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu