Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' Lion's Head Japanese Maple
from $39.00
Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’ the Famous Lions Head Japanese Maple with Unique Crinkled Leaves
Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' is one of the most unique varieties of Japanese maples in existence. 'Shishigashira' has small leaves with crinkled up edges that gives this Japanese maple one of the strangest appearances you will see on a tree. These small strange leaves are light green early in spring and turn a darker green for the rest of the spring and summer. In the fall the cool weather will change the leaves of 'Shishigashira' from green to a brilliant dark orange. For such small and uniquely shaped leaves 'Shishigashira' still puts on quite a show in the fall.
Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' is a dwarf Japanese maple that will only reach about 6 feet tall over 10 years. It will keep growing and can reach larger heights over decades, but it is a slow growing dwarf Japanese maple that will take some time to achieve any real height. 'Shishigashira' grows very upright and pretty narrow. The branches of 'Shishigashira' are very stiff and hard to manipulate. The stiffness of the branches compliments the unique crinkle shape of the leaves and gives the appearance of a bonsai in the garden. 'Shishigashira' is the perfect tree for Japanese gardens and a near must have for any smaller landscape.
'Shishigashira' grows well in a variety of climates. It can be grown in zones 5 through 9 and can handle full sun in all but the hottest areas. In warmer climates it is best to give 'Shishigashira' a break from the hot afternoon sun. These trees don't require a lot of sun though and can be grown in shade in pretty much all climates.
Shishigashira actually refers to two different old cultivars that are both considered "lions' head" maples, 'Meijishi' and 'O jishi'. 'Meijishi' is known as the female lion and 'O jishi' is known as the male lion. These names come from the mythical male and female lions of a Japanese drama that dates back over 900 years. The name Shishigashira means lions head and comes from the costume worn while doing the lion dance to exorcise evil spirits. While this term can be used to describe either cultivar it is generally used to describe 'Meijishi' and the plant generally labeled 'Shishigashira' in nurseries is almost always 'Meijishi'. While both plants have crinkled tightly congested foliage arranged along stiff upright branches, 'Meijishi's foliage is a little more tightly congested and darker green than that of 'O jishi'. 'Meijishi' is also faster growing. 'O jishi' has bright red fall color while 'Meijishi' has fall color that is more orange. Either plant is excellent for containers and make wonderful patio trees.
What is the 10 Year Size of Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'?
Height: 6-8 feet Width: 3-4 feet
What is the Spring Color of Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'?
Green
What is the Summer Color of Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'?
Green
What is the Fall Color of Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'?
Orange
What is the Leaf Shape of Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'?
Crinkle Leaf
What is the Sun Tolerance of Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'?
Partial Sun
What Growing Zones are suitable for Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'?
Zones 5-9
What is the Shape of Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'?
Upright Japanese Maple
What is the Growth Rate of Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'?
Slow Growing Dwarf Japanese Maple
How should Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' be planted?
Elevated in Well Drained Soil
Acer palmatum 'Shishio hime' Dwarf Japanese Maple
from $39.00
Acer palmatum ‘Shishio hime’ is a very nice, small Japanese maple that will grow much wider than tall, forming a low mound with age. 'Shishio hime' emerges in spring with Red tips to the leaves before turning green for the summer. The leaves become smaller each year as the plant matures. Older specimens have some of the smallest leaves of any Acer palmatum. The foliage is also extremely dense. Fall color ranges from red and yellow to orange.10 year size: Height: 1-3 Feet Width: 4-6 Feet
Acer palmatum 'Coonara pygmy' Dwarf Japanese Maple
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The new green leaves appear brushed with pink and gold in early spring on this little witches broom from Australia. 'Coonara Pygmy' forms a very dense irregular shaped small shrub at maturity. Fall color is a nice blend of reds and yellows and very good for a dwarf. Great for rock gardens, bonsai or containers 10 Year Size: Height: 2-3 Feet Width: 3-4 Feet
Acer palmatum 'Japanese Sunrise' Coral Bark Japanese Maple
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Acer palmatum ‘Japanese Sunrise’ is a fast growing selection, probably from 'Sango kaku' seedlings that has wonderful variations in its bark color. While bark colors can range from almost yellow to bright red depending on the time of year and the age of bark you are looking at, the orange colors produced in the dead of winter are the most unique. Bark color is always best in full sun and sometimes can show up yellow on the north or shady side which gives the plant a totally different look depending on the angle from which it is viewed. In spring 'Japanese Sunrise emerges with small lime green leaves that darken as summer takes hold, then in fall change to a quite remarkable shade of yellow. Another great introduction found by Billy Schwartz owner of Green Mansions Nursery in Pennsylvania.10 year size Height: 10-12 Feet Width: 4-6 FeetSpring Color: GreenSummer Color: GreenFall Color: YellowSun Tolerance: FullPlanting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil
Acer palmatum 'Summer Gold' Yellow Japanese Maple
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Acer palmatum ‘Summer Gold’ has arguably the best yellow spring color of any Japanese maple. ‘Summer Gold’ leafs out yellow in the spring and only gets more golden throughout the spring and summer. Fall color is orange to red. ‘Summer Gold’ is very heat tolerant and can even handle full sun in most climates. ‘Summer Gold’ will not get very large, as it will develop into a short, bushy tree.
10 Year Size: Height: 6-8 feet Width: 4-6 feet
Acer palmatum 'Waterfall' Dwarf Japanese Maple
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Acer palmatum 'Waterfall' Dwarf Japanese Maple with Green Lace Leaves and the Weeping "Waterfall" Shape
Acer palmatum ‘Waterfall’ is a stunning weeping dwarf Japanese maple with green lacy leaves. 'Waterfall' is quite similar to Acer palmatum 'Viridis', however the leaf shape can be slightly different as well as different variations of yellow and orange fall color.
Acer palmatum 'Waterfall' emerges in spring with bright lime green color that darkens as the temperatures get warmer in the summer. 'Waterfall' displays an excellent green color through the spring and summer that will really brighten up a landscape. In the fall 'Waterfall' will turn bright yellow and orange and is a true show stopper.
Given the name 'Waterfall' it should come as no surprise that it is a weeping dwarf Japanese maple with cascading, waterfall-like growth. 'Waterfall' is a medium growing dwarf Japanese maple that should reach about 4 to 6 feet tall and about as wide. 'Waterfall' has elegant weeping branches that give the tree nice flow and character.
Acer palmatum 'Waterfall' is a strong growing dwarf Japanese maple that will grow well in zones 5 through 9. In many areas of the country 'Waterfall' will be able to handle full sun. It can even tolerate full sun in hotter climates but would certainly appreciate a break from the hot afternoon sun if possible.
We see very little difference in shape or leaf size at our nursery, although it may be slightly slower growing. Where we do see a huge difference is in the fall color which in addition to the bright yellow and gold of 'Viridis', 'Waterfall' displays wonderful reds and oranges washed across the leaves.
What is the 10 Year Size of Acer palmatum 'Waterfall'?
Height: 4-6 feet Width: 6-8 feet
What is the Spring Color of Acer palmatum 'Waterfall'?
Green
What is the Summer Color of Acer palmatum 'Waterfall'?
Green
What is the Fall Color of Acer palmatum 'Waterfall'?
Yellow and Orange
What is the Leaf Shape of Acer palmatum 'Waterfall'?
Lace Leaf
What is the Sun Tolerance of Acer palmatum 'Waterfall'?
Partial Sun
What Growing Zones are suitable for Acer palmatum 'Waterfall'?
Zones 5-9
What is the Shape of Acer palmatum 'Waterfall'?
Weeping Japanese Maple
What is the Growth Rate of Acer palmatum 'Waterfall'?
Moderate Growing Dwarf Japanese Maple
How should Acer palmatum 'Waterfall' be planted?
Elevated in Well Drained Soil
Our 1 Gallon and 3 Gallon sizes are available for shipping and in store pickup. Our larger sizes (7 Gallon and bigger) are only available for in store pickup.
Acer palmatum 'Miss Piggy' Dwarf Japanese Maple
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Acer palmatum ‘Miss Piggy’ is One of the Most Unusual Dwarf Japanese Maples that we Grow at Maple Ridge Nursery
Acer palmatum ‘Miss Piggy’ is a dwarf tree with sturdy branching and bunched up leaves that are caused by fasciations at the tips of the branches. This means that the branches have actually fused together. These fasciations are more commonly seen in conifers and are extremely rare in Japanese maples. The leaves can sometimes grow so close together that they completely encircle the branches. When this occurs, you can look straight down the branch and see a perfect ring of leaves that almost make it look like an eye. 'Miss Piggy' doesn't get very big, maturing to only about 5 or 6 feet tall, but it is a fast grower especially for a dwarf Japanese maple.
‘Miss Piggy’ has small palmate leaves that are light green in the spring and darken just a bit in the summer. In the fall the leaves turn an attractive orange and red. 'Miss Piggy' can handle a good bit of sun in all but the hottest climates where it would need at least some shade in the afternoon. The small green leaves of 'Miss Piggy' will be a lighter green if it is grown in more sunlight or a darker green if it is grown in more shade. 'Miss Piggy' is a hardy dwarf Japanese maple and can be grown in zones 5 through 9.
What is the 10 Year Size of Acer palmatum 'Miss Piggy'?
Height: 4-6 feet Width: 2-4 feet
What is the Spring Color of Acer palmatum 'Miss Piggy'?
Light Green
What is the Summer Color of Acer palmatum 'Miss Piggy'?
Green
What is the Fall Color of Acer palmatum 'Miss Piggy'?
Orange to Red
What is the Leaf Shape of Acer palmatum 'Miss Piggy'?
Broad Leaf
What is the Sun Tolerance of Acer palmatum 'Miss Piggy'?
Partial Sun
What Growing Zones are suitable for Acer palmatum 'Miss Piggy'?
Zones 5-9
What is the Shape of Acer palmatum 'Miss Piggy'?
Upright and Compact Japanese Maple
What is the Growth Rate of Acer palmatum 'Miss Piggy'?
Fast Growing Dwarf Japanese Maple
How should Acer palmatum 'Miss Piggy' be planted?
Elevated in Well Drained Soil
Acer palmatum 'Moonfire' Red Japanese Maple
from $49.00
'Moonfire' is one of our favorites. It seems to grow faster and hold it's color better in shade than other red leaf cultivars. 'Moonfire' also tolerates full sun and maintains it's color into the hot Georgia summer as well as any upright variety we grow. The foliage of 'Moonfire' comes out dark purple in spring but tends to turn more red as summer nears, except in more shady locations where the color remains more purple. It's leaves are slightly translucent and tend to glow when the sun lights them from behind. Fall color is bright fiery red. 'Moonfire' was discovered by Dick Wolff in 1974.
10 Year Size: Height: 12-14 feet Width: 10-12 feet
Spring Color: Burgundy
Summer Color: Burgundy
Fall Color: Red
Sun Tolerance: Full
Planting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil
Acer palmatum 'Orange Dream' Yellow Japanese Maple
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Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’ is one of the first trees to announce that spring is here and does so with eye popping color. The yellow, orange and red of early spring turns first more yellow then to a subtle green for summer. In hotter climates this cultivar should be sited in partial shade, In cooler climates the orange lasts much longer into the summer. Fall color is bright orange or sometimes red. This cultivar was first selected at Fratelli Gilardelli Nursery in Italy in the late 1980s.
10 Year size: Height: 10-12 Feet Width: 6-8 Feet
Spring Color: Yellow
Summer Color: Green
Fall Color: Orange
Sun Tolerance: Partial
Planting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil
Acer palmatum 'Nuresagi' Red Japanese Maple
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'Nuresagi' also known as, the 'Wet Heron' maple is very fast growing especially when young. Younger plants tend to put on vertical growth faster than most varieties we grow, sometimes running out 3-4 feet upright leaders in one season. Of course it does not grow at this rate every year. The long leaders will spend some time filling out before sending out more vertical growth. Very nice white striations also appear on the bark of older wood. The name 'Wet Heron' comes from the blue cast created by silver pubescence covering the deep red leaves when they emerge in spring. This reminded the Japanese of the 19th century, of a wet heron. 'Nuresagi' was listed in nursery catalogs as early as 1882.
10 Year size: Height: 18-20 Feet Width: 6-8 Feet
Spring Color: Burgundy
Summer Color: Burgundy
Fall Color: Red
Sun Tolerance: Full
Planting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil
Our 1 Gallon and 3 Gallon sizes are available for shipping and in store pickup. Our larger sizes (7 Gallon and bigger) are only available for in store pickup.
Acer palmatum 'Ryusei' Weeping Dwarf Japanese Maple
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The Unique Acer palmatum 'Ryusei' is a Weeping Dwarf Japanese Maple with Small, Broad Leaves with Bright Green Color
Acer palmatum ‘Ryusei’ is a weeping dwarf Japanese maple with the most pendulous Japanese maple on the market today. 'Ryusei' basically grows straight down with a dramatic weeping growth habit. With this extreme growth habit 'Ryusei' won't achieve much height at all without staking. The natural growth of 'Ryusei' will create a mounding ground cover on its own. When grown in a container it can resemble ivy cascading down past the bottom of the pot. For the landscape 'Ryu sei' is generally staked up to a certain height then allowed to fall to the ground making a beautiful flowing waterfall like affect.
The most unusual thing about 'Ryusei' is that it has this extreme weeping growth habit but is the leaves are fully palmate instead of the traditionally lacy leaves of most weeping Japanese maples. The leaves of 'Ryusei' are light green and very attractively star shaped. Most cascading varieties have dissected leaves which makes 'Ryusei' one of the most unique varieties of weeping dwarf Japanese maples there is. The green leaf color is bright green in the spring and darkens somewhat in the summer. These leaves are stunning in the fall as they turn a bright orange that appears to glow in the landscape.
Acer palmatum 'Ryusei' is a fantastic growing dwarf Japanese maple that will grow in sun or shade in basically all climates. 'Ryusei' should grow perfectly well in zones 5 through 9. 'Ryusei' can be grown in full sun even in hotter climates. 'Ryusei' is a very fast grower and can be trained to achieve many different interesting shapes.
Acer palmatum 'Ryusei' is synonymous with 'Ryusen' and is sometimes referred to by that name.
What is the 10 Year Size of Acer palmatum 'Ryusei'?
Height: 2-4 feet Width: 4-6 feet
What is the Spring Color of Acer palmatum 'Ryusei'?
Green
What is the Summer Color of Acer palmatum 'Ryusei'?
Green
What is the Fall Color of Acer palmatum 'Ryusei'?
Orange
What is the Leaf Shape of Acer palmatum 'Ryusei'?
Small Broad Leaf
What is the Sun Tolerance of Acer palmatum 'Ryusei'?
Full Sun
What Growing Zones are suitable for Acer palmatum 'Ryusei'?
Zones 5-9
What is the Shape of Acer palmatum 'Ryusei'?
Weeping Japanese Maple
What is the Growth Rate of Acer palmatum 'Ryusei'?
Fast Growing Dwarf Japanese Maple
How should Acer palmatum 'Ryusei' be planted?
Elevated in Well Drained Soil
Acer palmatum 'Germaine's Gyration' Green Lace Leaf Japanese Maple
from $49.00
‘Germaine’s Gyration’ was discovered by Bob Vandermoss and introduced by Andre Iselli for his mother Germaine. This outstanding dissectum variety does well in the south, tolerating even full sun. This is important because most green dissectums will not tolerate full sun as far south as Atlanta. Germaine's Gyration will become much wider than tall with the inner branching swirling around the main trunk in different directions making it obvious where the gyration part of the name came from. The outer form of the tree however is a very pleasant and fairly symmetrical mound. Fall color begins in October as a golden yellow first turning orange then almost red as the temperatures cool in November.
10 Year Size: Height: 4-6 Feet Width: 6-9 Feet
Spring Color: Green
Summer Color: Green
Fall Color: Yellow, Orange
Sun Tolerance: Full Sun
Planting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil
Acer palmatum 'Hino Tori Nishiki' Rare Japanese Maple
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Acer palmatum 'Hino tori nishiki' emerges in the spring with small bright pink leaves. These pink leaves quickly change into an attractive green color. As fall approaches the leaves change to orange and eventually a bright, fiery red. 'Hino tori nishiki' has a decidedly upright habit and is a fast grower for a relatively small Japanese maple variety.
10 Year Size: Height: 6-8 feet Width: 4-6 feet
Acer palmatum 'Seiryu' Upright Lace Leaf Japanese Maple
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Acer palmatum 'Seiryu' is the only Upright Growing Lace Leaf Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Seiryu' is known as the only upright growing lace leaf. While there are other lace leaf Japanese maples that have some upright growing habits such as 'Lionheart' and 'English Lace', there is nothing quite like 'Seiryu'. 'Seiryu' grows with a complete upright habit that grows tall just like more common upright varieties such as 'Bloodgood' or 'Red Emperor'. 'Seiryu' even grows to be one of the bigger Japanese maple varieties that we grow, making it a great specimen tree that can be the centerpiece of any garden.
Its claim to fame is that Acer palmatum 'Seiryu' is considered the only upright dissectum. This is technically correct but the dissected leaf is the only similarity between 'Seiryu' and other dissectums. Actually the leaves are so much smaller, that even the leaves do not have the appearance of other dissectums. That being said, here at Maple Ridge Nurseries we love the plant we affectionately call the "weed" because it is so easy to grow. Seiryu is a fast growing small tree that is mostly vase shaped when young growing wider and much rounder with age. The foliage appears green in spring with a slight red or pink tinge to the margins of each leaf. These margins quickly fade away leaving a very attractive medium green leaf for summer. Sometimes in late summer the colorful margins reappear, but this time a little more orange. Most literature describes the fall color as gold or yellow but I have never seen this except in photos from other parts of the world. In our climate the first cold air may give the tree an orange or red appearance but the leaves will always end up burgundy before dropping.
What is the 10 Year Size of Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'?
Height: 14-16 feet Width: 10-12 feet
What is the Spring Color of Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'?
Green
What is the Summer Color of Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'?
Green
What is the Fall Color of Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'?
Red
What is the Leaf Shape of Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'?
Small Lace Leaf
What is the Sun Tolerance of Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'?
Full Sun
What Growing Zones are suitable for Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'?
Zones 5-9
What is the Shape of Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'?
Upright Japanese Maple
What is the Growth Rate of Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'?
Fast Growing Upright Japanese Maple
How should Acer palmatum 'Seiryu' be planted?
Elevated in Well Drained Soil
Our 1 Gallon and 3 Gallon sizes are available for shipping and in store pickup. Our larger sizes (7 Gallon and bigger) are only available for in store pickup.
Acer palmatum 'Heartbeat' Red Dwarf Japanese Maple
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‘Heartbeat’ is an Australian cultivar that is just making its way into the gardening culture of the United States. 'Heartbeat' would be a great addition to any garden. The leaves are extremely dissected with lobes that are held very far apart, making the overall leaf almost appear round. The habit is very low and spreading forming a plant that is much wider than tall. Spring color is more red and less purple than other similar Japanese Maples. As summer approaches leaves turn first bronze then green but this vigorous grower seems to put on new red growth at the tips all summer long even in hot climates. Fall color is crimson.10 year size: Height 2-4 Feet Width 6-8 Feet Spring Color: RedSummer Color: BronzeFall Color: CrimsonSun Tolerance: FullPlanting: Elevated, Well drained soil
Acer palmatum 'Baldsmith' Lace Leaf Japanese Maple
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In spring, ‘Baldsmith’ has leaves that emerge much more of a deep red than the burgundy color of most "red" Japanese Maples. Soon after, most of the leaf turns green leaving just the margins a very attractive red. The red and green of the bi color leaf at this stage makes the overall tree appear almost orange and gives it a very distinctive appearance. In some climates this look lasts well into the summer but in hotter climates where some afternoon shade would be greatly appreciated, 'Baldsmith' fades to green as summer takes hold. Fall color ranges from yellow to red to orange.
Height: 4-6 Feet Width 6-8 Feet in ten years
Spring Color: Red
Summer Color: Green
Fall Color: Orange
Sun tolerance: Partial
Planting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil