Unfortunately, there are two trees grown with the name 'Chitose yama'. One named in England, and selected from the Exbury gardens around 1990 and this one, the orginal Japanese clone, dating back to at least 1882 in Japan. Like the Exbury version the name refers to the mountains near the town of Chitose on the Japanese island of Hokkaido. The new leaves appear a soft brick red in early spring but become darker red in a sunny location. In summer leaves first go bronze and then olive green. this happens more quickly in hot climates. 'Chitosyama' becomes a large almost prostrate or even gently cascading shrub usually wider than tall. Fall color is a predictable bright red and a great edition to any landscape.