Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira', known as the Lion's Head Maple, is a remarkable cultivar of Japanese maple, renowned for its distinctive leaves and compact, artistic shape. It exhibits a dense, bushy, and upright growth habit with rigid branches, resembling a bonsai.
In spring, its leaves are bright green, deeply lobed, and crinkled, transitioning to dark green in summer while retaining their texture. In autumn, the foliage displays brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow, lasting longer than that of many other maple varieties.
The Lion's Head Maple can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F). It thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH and prefers partial shade to full sun, although some afternoon shade is advisable in warmer regions to prevent leaf scorch. Regular watering is essential, particularly during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist, while minimal pruning is required, focusing on removing dead or crossing branches during the dormant season. It pairs beautifully with other Japanese maples, azaleas, hostas, and ferns, contributing to a cohesive garden design.
This tree typically grows to a height of 2.5 to 4 meters (8 to 13 feet) and spreads 1.5 to 2.5 meters (5 to 8 feet).
Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira', commonly referred to as the Lion's Head Maple, is an exceptional variety of Japanese maple celebrated for its unique foliage and compact, artistic form. This cultivar showcases a dense, bushy, and upright growth pattern with stiff branches, reminiscent of a bonsai tree. In the spring, the leaves emerge in a vibrant green, characterized by deep lobes and a crinkled texture, which transition to a darker green during the summer while maintaining their distinctive texture. As autumn arrives, the foliage transforms into stunning hues of orange, red, and yellow, often lasting longer than that of many other maple species. Grow Acers in any moist, fertile, well drained soil in sun or dappled shade. This Acer is much hardier than other Japanese Acers and will cope with more exposed sites.
