Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' Lion's Head Japanese Maple

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