Laceleaf or Dissectum Japanese maples are among the most
familiar types, so much so that some people wrongly think that
they are the only kind. Laceleafs are characterized by two main
traits: first, their leaf lobes are very narrow and serrated, giving
them a lacy appearance. Second, nearly all are shrublike, forming
a weeping, mushroom-shaped mound that is seldom seen more
than 5' tall. (They do get larger, but take many years to do so.)
We have to tip our hats to Triple Oaks Nursery (while
stealing their line) for the best general description of a laceleaf:
"...it will grow to the size of a Volkswagen, but slowly."

Laceleafs may be various shades of red or green, the most
common color being burgundy. There are a few variegated
cultivars, such as 'Toyama nishiki'. Two or three cultivars
vary from the weeping/mounding habit. Any laceleaf may
be staked to increase its height, but it will retain its
weeping/mounding form.