Shishigashira Japanese Maple | Lion’s Head Acer Palmatum

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Shishigashira Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Shishi gashira', Lion Head lapanese Maple

Unique Crinkled “Lion’s Mane” Foliage • Compact & Architectural Form • Award-Winning Specimen

$449.99

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Description

Shishigashira Japanese Maple, or “Lion’s Head Maple,” is a unique and highly prized cultivar known for its distinct, crinkled, and densely packed leaves that grow closely along its branches, resembling a lion’s mane. It has a compact, upright form and excellent fall color, making it a conversation-starting specimen.

Instantly recognizable by its tightly curled, crinkled, dark green leaves that cluster closely on short stems, creating a dense, textured appearance.
Grows with a compact, upright, and often irregular form, adding great structural interest even in winter.
Fall color is a showy mix of gold, orange, and crimson.
A slow-growing, award-winning tree perfect as a focal point in a courtyard, Asian-style garden, or large container.

Quick Facts

Features:Foliage: Palmate, deeply lobed leaves with distinctive, crinkled margins that curl upward. The foliage is a dense, deep green during the growing season, turning a brilliant mix of gold and crimson in autumn.Flowers: Small, inconspicuous reddish flowers in spring.Fruit: Ornamental winged samaras.Habit: An upright, compact deciduous tree or large shrub with a distinctive, dense, and almost gnarled growth habit. Its branching is tight and layered, creating a unique, vase-shaped form.
Mature Height: 10-15 ft.
Mature Width: 5-12 ft.
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Light Needs: Partial shade (Afternoon shade is essential to prevent leaf scorch)
Key Advantages:Unique, crinkled foliage and dense, sculptural form.Excellent, vibrant fall color.Compact size ideal for small gardens and containers.Deer resistant.Low maintenance
Landscape Uses:Specimen tree for Asian-inspired or courtyard gardens.Container planting for patios and entryways.Focal point in a mixed border.Bonsai subject

Faqs

Q: Why are the leaves curled?
A:This is a natural genetic mutation of the species. The curling and dense growth habit are its defining ornamental characteristics, which are highly stable and sought after by collectors.

Q: Why is Shishigashira called Lion’s Head Maple?
A: Its tightly curled, dense foliage resembles the mane of a lion.

Q: Is Shishigashira Japanese Maple suitable for the Bay Area climate?
A: Yes. It performs very well in Bay Area conditions with proper drainage and sun protection.

Q: How is Shishigashira different from other Japanese Maples?
A: It has thick, curled leaves and a compact upright form rather than flat or dissected foliage.

Q: Does Shishigashira Japanese Maple have fall color?
A: Yes. Leaves typically turn yellow to golden-orange in fall.

Q: Is Shishigashira Japanese Maple easy to maintain?
A: Yes. With correct placement and regular watering during establishment, it is considered low-maintenance.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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15 Gallon

One of the most common larger landscape sizes for trees and shrubs. It offers noticeable height and fullness while still being practical for many residential planting projects.

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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