Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' Lion's Head Japanese Maple
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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 'Shojo nomura' Red Upright Japanese Maple
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'Shojo nomura' means "beautiful red faced monkey" and this vivid image seems to fit this wonderful small tree. Decidedly upright, 'Shojo nomura' emerges dark purple almost black in early spring but later growth is decidely red and seems to be more red than purple most of the season. It holds its color in our gardens as long as any upright palmatum we grow and if it does fade to green in very hot years it never bronzes out like other red cultivars. Also it seems to hold it's color better in shade than most varieties. Brilliant effects can be obtained by planting this tree where its translucent leaves can be back lit by the morning or evening sun. Fall color is red and usually outstanding.
What is the 10 Year Size of Acer palmatum 'Shojo Nomura'?
Height: 16-18 feet Width: 6-8 feet
What is the Spring Color of Acer palmatum 'Shojo Nomura
Dark Red
What is the Summer Color of Acer palmatum 'Shojo Nomura'?
Rusty Red
What is the Fall Color of Acer palmatum 'Shojo Nomura'?
Bright Red
What is the Leaf Shape of Acer palmatum 'Shojo Nomura'?
Broad Leaf
What is the Sun Tolerance of Acer palmatum 'Shojo Nomura'?
Full Sun
What Growing Zones are suitable for Acer palmatum 'Shojo Nomura'?
Zones 5-9
What is the Shape of Acer palmatum 'Shojo Nomura'?
Upright Japanese Maple
What is the Growth Rate of Acer palmatum 'Shojo Nomura'?
Fast Growing Upright Japanese Maple
How should Acer palmatum 'Shojo Nomura' be planted?
Elevated in Well Drained Soil
Acer palmatum 'Sir Damon' Coral Bark Japanese Maple
$49.00
Acer palmatum 'Sir Damon' is an excellent coral bark Japanese maple variety. The bark on 'Sir Damon' ranges from dark red on older branches to bright red on younger growth. This red bark color is most pronounced during the winter months. The leaves are light green in the spring and get a little darker in the summer. The light green spring color contrasts off the red bark very nicely. Fall color is a bright yellow. 'Sir Damon' is a great coral bark variety for someone that wants a coral bark Japanese maple but needs a shorter tree than the typical Sango kaku coral bark Japanese maple.
10 Year Size: Height: 8-10 feet Width: 4-6 feet
Acer palmatum 'Sister Ghost' Reticulated Japanese Maple
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Acer palmatum 'Sister Ghost' emerges yellow with dark veins in early spring. Sometimes in early spring leaves have a slight pink cast. By summer foliage is mostly green with a few specks of yellow to let you know this plant was variegated. Fall color is orange with hints of yellow and red. Generally growing wider than tall this small tree does best in partial shade in all but the coolest areas. Introduced by Talon Buchholz as part of the ghost series.
10 year size: Height: 5-6 Feet Width: 6-8 Feet
Spring Color: White and Green
Summer Color: Green and White
Fall Color: Orange
Sun Tolerance: Partial
Planting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil
Acer palmatum 'Skeleton Reach' Reticulated Japanese Maple
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Acer palmatum 'Skeleton Reach' is a Japanese maple with white reticulated variegation. 'Skeleton Reach' has some of the brightest white color to its leaves in the spring of any Japanese maple. Theses white leaves have green veins giving the foliage the reticulated look. These leaves will turn to a light green by summer but maintain the reticulation with darker green veins. 'Skeleton Reach' is going to provide a bright color all year long and eventually turn a bright yellow-orange in the fall. 'Skeleton Reach' has long, skinny leaves with jagged edges like many of the "ghost" Japanese maples. This unusual leaf shape coupled with the bright white color make 'Skeleton Reach' one of the most fascinating Japanese maples currently on the market. 'Skeleton Reach' is also known as 'Sweet Lucile' and the names have been used interchangeably.
10 Year Size: Height: 6-8 feet Width: 4-6 feet
Acer palmatum 'Sophia' Rare Japanese Maple
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Acer palmatum ‘Sophia’ is a new introduction by Maple Ridge Nursery that was discovered as a chance seedling. ‘Sophia’ is still under observation, but there is no doubt that this is a special Japanese maple tree. ‘Sophia’ is a matsamurae type Japanese maple with thin leaves with lobes that are wider at the base. These leaves emerge in spring with a pale orange color and defined veining. As temperatures increase, the leaves turn to an attractive olive green. The leaves of ‘Sophia’ darken to a maroon color and then eventually a fiery bright red color in the fall. ‘Sophia’ is a very fast and strong grower. Acer palmatum ‘Sophia’ was named after my oldest daughter. 10 Year Size: Height: 10-12 feet Width: 4-6 feet
Acer palmatum 'Spring Blast' Reticulated Japanese Maple
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Acer palmatum 'Spring Blast' has some of the most dramatically bright spring color of any Japanese maple ever in existence. 'Spring Blast' is aptly named due to the blast of color that this Japanese maple exhibits in the spring. 'Spring Blast' emerges in the spring with shining white leaves with green veins and bright hot pink edges around each leaf. This pink edging is think and covers a large portion of the leaf. 'Spring Blast' has reticulated variegation with the green veining and yellowish white base color to the leaves. As the season progresses the pink edging does fade and makes way for the reticulated variegation to take center stage. 'Spring Blast' has jagged edges that are very similar to the majority of the "ghost" varieties. The reticulated variegation remains even throughout the hot summer. During the summer the colors are mostly white leaves with green veining. Fall color is an attractive orange color.
10 Year Size: Height: 6-8 feet Width: 4-6 feet
Acer palmatum 'Spring Delight' Green Dwarf Japanese Maple
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‘Spring Delight’ is a green weeping variety of Japanese maple that emerges in spring with light green leaves with pink edges. These leaves darken to a deeper green that holds throughout the summer. ‘Spring Delight’ is known for its early spring display but also puts on a show in fall with yellow fall color. ‘Spring Delight’ is a small growing lace leaf Japanese maple.10 year size: Height: 3-5 feet Width: 4-6 feetSpring Color: Green, PinkSummer Color: GreenFall Color: YellowSun Tolerance: ShadePlanting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil
Acer palmatum 'Strawberry Spring' Reticulated Japanese Maple
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Acer palmatum 'Strawberry Spring' is a striking new reticulated Japanese maple cultivar discovered as a seedling of Amber Ghost by breeder Talon Buchholz. It dazzles with rosy pink spring foliage heavily etched with deep green veins, gradually transforming through summer to creamy green and finally showcasing vibrant oranges and reds in the fall.
Fresh leaves emerge in spring a bright strawberry‑pink with dramatic dark green veining. 'Strawberry Spring' is considered among the prettiest spring displays of any maple. In the summer the pink fades to creamy white or light green, while new growth may retain pink highlights against green veins. Finally, foliage turns to warm orange-red with rusty tones in the fall. With so many color changes 'Strawberry Spring' offers a season‑long spectacle.
'Strawberry Spring' is an upright, moderately compact tree, expected to reach 6 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide within 10 years. 'Strawberry Spring' is perfect as a focal specimen. It is dramatic in spring and great for containers or small garden areas.
'Strawberry Spring' should grow well in USDA Zones 5–9, and is suitable for a wide range of climates. This beautiful tree prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. This is especially important in warmer areas to avoid sunburn and preserve the intense pink spring hues. Like most Japanese maples 'Strawberry Spring' thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Regular and consistent watering a couple times per week is needed, especially during dry spells and when the tree is young, to support health and variegation retention. Maintenance for 'Strawberry Spring' is minimal. Prune to remove dead or crossing branches for structural integrity, but avoid heavy pruning to retain the natural upright form. Due to its compact habit, it's an excellent choice for container gardening, especially in climates where winter minimal protection or controlled conditions are beneficial.
Acer palmatum 'Strawberry Spring’ emerged naturally as a chance seedling from Amber Ghost, another popular reticulated cultivar, originally found by Talon Buchholz. 'Strawberry Spring' is often likened to other cultivars like Olsen’s Frosted Strawberry. While similar, Olsen’s Frosted Strawberry shows cream-veined leaves with deeper red undersides and more dramatic variegation by midsummer. ‘Strawberry Spring’ leans more consistently toward pink spring tones and retains a finer contrast with its green veins.
In hot climates, provide light shade during peak afternoon to preserve variegation and prevent leaf scorch. Fertilize lightly in spring with balanced slow‑release fertilizer such as Happy Frog Japanese Maple Fertilizer to boost new growth. Use mulch-based moisture retention techniques to maintain root conditions.
Acer palmatum 'Strawberry Spring' brings a show-stopping color display from spring through autumn—its bold reticulated pattern and seasonal transitions make it a prized choice among collectors and garden designers. It’s becoming one of the most-loved reticulated varieties. Just plant smartly, protect from harsh sun, and enjoy its colorful journey through the seasons.
10 Year Size: Height: 6-8 feet Width: 4-6 feet
Acer palmatum 'Tess' Green Japanese Maple
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Acer palmatum ‘Tess’ is a green upright variety with much smaller leaves than most upright varieties. ‘Tess’ is a fast growing Japanese maple that should reach 12 feet tall at maturity. ‘Tess’ has attractive green foliage that can actually even handle a little bit of sun. Fall color is a vibrant orange. ‘Tess’ is a fairly new, rare variety that is quite hard to find.10 Year Size: Height: 10-12 feet Width: 4-6 feet
Acer palmatum 'The Bishop' Red Japanese Maple
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'The Bishop' was selected by Henry Hoehman at Kingsville Nurseries in Maryland. Spring color is a very nice red turning first bronze and then green by mid summer. Fast growing this tree can reach up to 20 feet tall. Fall color is brilliant red. 10 Year Size: Height 10-12 Feet Width 6-8 Feet
Acer palmatum 'Trompenburg' Red Japanese Maple
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Discovered as a chance seedling by J.R.P. van Hoey Smith this distinctive cultivar bears the name of the arboretum where it was discovered. This fast growing cultivar tends to be mostly vase shaped for many years, although very old specimens begin to get more broad with age. The 3 things for which Trompenburg is most famous all have to do with the foliage. The first is the spring color which is a dark purple sometimes almost appearing brown or chocolate turning more red as summer begins but holding a nice color well into even an Atlanta summer. The second is the very sharp serrations to the lobes of the leaf. The third is the way the lobes curl at the ends, but this does not always appear until the tree somewhat matures. Trompenburg will tolerate full Sun even in the south. Fall color is a brilliant scarlet red. There is some speculation that 'Trompenburg' may have shirasawanum parentage due to the fact that the samaras are held erect. 10 Year Size: Height: 15-18 Feet Width: 10-14 Feet
Acer palmatum 'Tsukasa Silhouette' Green Columnar Japanese Maple
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A very upright vigorous growing palmatum destined to become more widely used as gardens become smaller. Foliage emerges lime green in early spring before turning darker green in summer. One of the most sun and heat tolerant Japanese Maples. Fall color is a brilliant red.
10 Year Size: Height: 18-22 Feet Width: 6-8 Feet
Spring Color: Green
Summer Color: Green
Fall Color: Orange
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 'Ueno yama' Yellow Japanese Maple
$39.00
Acer palmatum 'Ueno Yama' Japanese Maple is a visually captivating, upright tree that brings vibrant color to the landscape throughout the seasons. In spring, its foliage emerges with a striking orange hue and red-edged leaves, creating a brilliant display that often gives the entire tree a glowing orange appearance. The leaves are deeply lobed and finely toothed, with each lobe reaching out on different planes, giving the tree a delicate, feathery texture. As the season progresses, the spring color transitions to a bright yellow-green, eventually maturing to a soft medium green for the summer months. In fall, 'Ueno Yama' puts on a spectacular show of yellow, orange, and red, providing stunning autumn interest.
This medium-sized tree typically reaches 8 to 12 feet in height over the course of 10 years. It thrives in partial sun to partial shade and is perfect for adding a touch of spring-like brilliance to any garden. Its dynamic foliage and striking color changes throughout the year make 'Ueno Yama' a standout accent tree. Ideal for those seeking a tree that offers both early spring excitement and year-round beauty, 'Ueno Yama' is a wonderful addition to any landscape
Acer palmatum 'Verkade's Winter Gold' Green Bark Japanese Maple
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Acer palmatum ‘Verkade’s Winter Gold’ is an interesting and unique Japanese maple variety with chartreuse bark color in the winter that would stand out even amongst other green bark Japanese maple varieties. ‘Verkade’s Winter Gold’ also has unique leaves which are large and deeply divided. These leaves are bright green in the spring and eventually turn to a bright yellow and orange in the fall.
10 Year Size: Height: 8-10 feet Width: 4-6 feet