Bark peels in tight vertical curls. September brings a muted blend of yellow and claret-red foliage, capturing the essence of autumn. During winter, tufts of snow lodge on the peels of grey and honey-colored bark, lending contrast. Often listed as hardy to Zone 5, growers report it hardy to -40°F - a full zone rating hardier than Acer griseum.

With a RHS Award of Garden Merit Lois, named in 1998, is a sister to 'Elizabeth', with more intense yellow flowers consistently opening a couple weeks later so more flowers come after spring frosts but still prior to the leaves. The flowers don't fade with age though they are slightly smaller than Elizabeth's.

The Nation Arboretum's wisdom in testing this for over twenty years is rewarded by superior tree form, 30 feet tall by on 15 feet wide. It has semi-pendulous, single, dark rose-pink flowers opening late in March into early April. One of the best features are red calyces which provide an interesting post-bloom ornamental color boost for a further three weeks after petal drop.