A fairly slow growing and densely branched tree, conical when young, later growing to broad ovoid. Height 10 - 15 m, width approx. 7 m. Its growth is slower than that of the species. When the leaves first open they are reddish-purple but later turn colour to deep green in the summer. A greenish-purple colour is retained around the veins. The leaf edge is sharply double serrated, the root growth relatively close to the surface. 'Pupurea' can withstand dry conditions better than the species. Provided that the soil is sufficiently nutritious the tree can be planted in a hard surface without any problem. Winter hardiness zone: 5a