• Give a Japanese maple as a memorial gift.cemetary 3 image by sonya etchison from Fotolia.com
  
  If you have a friend who recently passed away, consider honoring his legacy by presenting his family members with a Japanese maple memorial gift. Japanese maples are attractive trees and shrubs that are easy to grow, come in a variety of unique shades -- such as pink and deep purple -- and have unique leaf structures. Some of them also make nice shade trees. Offer to plant the tree for the family and host a dedication ceremony in memorial to your departed friend.
  
  

Beni Kawa

• Select a beni kawa Japanese maple, also known as the acer palmatum beni kawa, if you are looking for a "tree for all seasons," according to Better Homes and Gardens. This tree has small, green leaves, which turn golden during the fall. It also features red stems in the cold months. It's name translates to "red bark," according to Bloom River Garden, a specialty plant shop in Oregon. This Japanese maple grows best in moist soil that is not soggy and in part shade. It can grow about 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide, according to the magazine.
  
  

Hogyoku

• Select a hogyoku Japanese maple, also known as an acer palmatum hogyoku, for a mid-sized maple that also is colorful. Better Homes and Gardens describes this maple as "a great time-tested selection." The green leaves of this maple turn bright orange during the fall, according to Mendocino Maples Nursery. It is a sturdy tree that endures hot climates better than other Japanese maples, according to the magazine. The hogyoku needs moist soil that is well-drained and enjoys some shade, but can tolerate the sun. It can grow about 15 feet tall and 15 feet wide.
  
  

Emperor 1

• Select a rich, handsome Emperor 1 Japanese maple, also known as an acer palmaum wolff, for a friend who lives in the northern part of the United States. The Emperor 1 is known for its dark, purple and crimson leaves and tends to survive frost better than other Japanese maples because its leaves open up later than most Japanese maples, according to Better Homes and Gardens. In the fall, the tree displays an impressive crimson. It grows best in partly shady areas and in moist, well-drained soil, according to the magazine. This tree grows about 15 feet wide and tall.