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Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' Lion's Head Japanese Maple

Original price $35.00 - Original price $35.00
Original price $35.00
$40.00
$40.00 - $40.00
Current price $40.00
Selected Size: 1 gallon

Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'
'Shishigashira' Lion's Head Japanese Maple

Zones 5-9

‘Shishigashira’ is a very unique upright green Japanese maple cultivar. The deep green leaves are crinkled with compact branching that adds to the amazing architectural shape of the tree. The growth habit is very dense branching with a widening effect midway up on mature trees. The color of this Japanese maple in early spring is a deep green and it holds this color very well throughout the entire summer. In the autumn ‘Shishigashira’ puts on an amazing show of deep yellows and golden shades with hints of red and orange.

This cultivar is often referred to as Lion’s Head in America but a more literal translation refers to the head of a specific female lion character in Japanese drama. When witnessing the amazing fall spectrum on this Japanese maple it is easy to see how this majestic look has become associated with a lion’s mane. ‘Shishigashira’ grows well in sun or shade though we have noticed the tree consistently grows larger in filtered light. The height of Lionshead can reach 8-12 ft over time. The Lion's Head is a favorite in the bonsai trade for its unique growth habit and is also an excellent Japanese maple tree for container growing for a porch or patio. 'Shishigashira' makes a great addition for anyone looking for something a little interesting, unique, and outside the box.

Limited Quantities Available !! As we have over a thousand cultivars of Japanese maples, we often do not have many of each cultivar. We recommend that you buy the Japanese maples you want immediately as we often sell out of certain selections.

Customer Reviews

Based on 5 reviews
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J
Jake
Holy Shishi

Easily the hardiest maple I’ve bought from Mr. Maple. This thing started leafing out mid February. I’m in zone 7 in central Va and I kept it on an enclosed but not climate-controlled sun room. It’s pushing out new branches under dense mounds of textured foliage at a rate that I didn’t think possible. A truly unique, robust and interesting specimen. Can’t say enough good things about the quality and health of the cultivars coming out of this nursery. Hey Tim and Matt- when are you guys going to let us post a pic with our reviews? 🤔

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James Bickert
You'll want atleast two!

This is my favorite Japanese Maple of all time. I recently bought two from Mr.. Maple to add to my collection and the 1 gallon sizes were fantastic with very thick and healthy root stocks. My ultimate plan is to fill part of my yard with Shishigashira so in 20 years it will look like a cheap and bizarre sci-fi set from the 60s. I'll be old and semi-senile anyway so I should start working on a Gorn costume now. Then when I retire, I can roam around my Shishigashira planet scaring the neighbors.

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Chris Davis
A truly unique looking tree stands out in a landscape .

I have one I planted 19 years ago that is now V-shaped 8’x14’.

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Alison Armstrong
SHishigashira

I had this in our 3-acre rocky garden in Putnam Co., New York State in the 1990s fillded with all sorts of unique Japanese maples and nanna Japanese conifers.
Now, I have a tiny raised garden in New York City and just planted a miniature Red Shishigashira. Next, I will buy a d. green one to add to my miniature garden beneath a larger lace leaft Japanese maple that is about 30 years old and 2 meters high and a 6 inch high that I panted last year. Both made it through the winter and are leafier and healthier than ever. I keep them pruned to stay in proportion. Next, for contrast will be a butterfly, multicolored cream white/pale green.

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Cathy

I have ordered trees from Mr. Maple for years now, no complaints at all, they are the best in this field by far.