Small, shrubby, rounded tree with ascending, spreading branches.  Dark purple leaves, alternate, simple, toothed, 1 1/2" to 2 1/2" long, 1" to 1 1/4" wide, ovate, elliptic or obovate.  In most cases a short lived tree, 20 years, with a fast growth rate.  Spring flowers are very showy, appearing before the leaves.