ACER PALMATUM SHISHIGASHIRA / LION'S HEAD JAPANESE MAPLE

ACER PALMATUM SHISHIGASHIRA / LION'S HEAD JAPANESE MAPLE

Distinctive Leaf Shape and Unique Growth Habit
Acer palmatum Shishigashira, commonly known as the Lion’s Head Japanese Maple, is a unique cultivar with a distinctive rounded growth habit and finely serrated, compact leaves that resemble a lion’s mane. Its unique appearance and vibrant colors make it a striking focal point in gardens, offering beauty throughout the seasons.

Why Choose Lion's Head Japanese Maple?

• Comparison: The Lion's Head Maple stands out from other Japanese maples due to its dense, rounded form and its uniquely curled, dissected leaves that give it a "lion's mane" appearance. It’s perfect for adding textural contrast and visual interest to the garden.
• Companions: It pairs beautifully with other Japanese maples, conifers, or flowering plants, adding structure and color to any landscape.

Key Features:

• Unique Leaf Shape: The leaves of the Lion’s Head Maple are deeply lobed, curling slightly at the edges, giving them a ruffled or "lion’s mane" appearance. This makes the tree visually distinct from other Japanese maples.
• Colorful Foliage: In the spring, the leaves emerge bright green with a hint of red, and throughout the summer, they mature to a rich green. In the fall, the leaves turn vibrant shades of gold and red, offering a stunning seasonal display.
• Compact, Rounded Form: Shishigashira has a slow growth habit, maintaining a rounded, compact form that typically reaches around 4–6 feet in height and width. It’s ideal for small gardens, containers, or as an accent tree.
• Hardiness: This cultivar is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5–8 and thrives in partial shade. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil but is adaptable to various growing conditions.
• Attractive Year-Round: In addition to its colorful foliage, the tree's graceful structure, especially when bare in winter, adds interest to the landscape.

Specifications:

• Plant Size: Typically grows 4–6 feet tall and wide, maintaining a compact, rounded shape.
• Hardiness: Zones 5–8.
• Sunlight: Prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun with proper moisture.
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil is ideal.

Ideal Uses:

• Small Gardens: Its compact size makes it perfect for small gardens or as an accent in larger landscapes.
• Containers: Due to its size and form, it is well-suited to container planting, where it can be moved and displayed on patios or balconies.
• Focal Point: With its unique leaf shape and striking seasonal colors, the Lion’s Head Maple is an excellent choice for a focal point in any landscape or garden.

The Shishigashira Japanese Maple, with its unique leaf structure, vibrant colors, and compact form, is a captivating addition to any landscape, offering visual interest in all seasons. Whether used as a specimen tree or part of a garden collection, it will provide year-round beauty and elegance.