I got this tree for $10 from Armstrong Garden Center.. it measures about 5.5 feet tall but I really don't know what it could be. Anyone have a clue?
If a cultivar liable to have been grafted, with a graft union visible near the base. Otherwise, could be an unselected seedling rather than a named form.
I.E. Its very common for new growth on Japanese Maples to be red or pink. Its also common for this year's leaves to be larger / look different than leaves sprouting on old wood. Your monster is not a monster at all...