Garden Goods Direct Shishigashira Japanese Maple

Shishigashira Japanese Maple, commonly called the lion’s head maple, is very popular and a highly sought-after cultivar. Heavily curled green leaves give this tree an interesting texture. This is a slow upright grower with dense tufts of crinkled deep green leaves on each branch, resembling the mane of a lion.

In the fall the leaves become purple-red with orange-red highlights. The coloring of Lions Head Japanese Maple is most intense when planted in full sun. It is less likely to sunburn than other varieties. Makes an excellent container specimen, and is perfect for use in smaller gardens.

The leaves are resistant to burning in full sun and develop a good golden yellow fall color brushed with red-orange. It is usually on of the last of the Acer palmatums to turn its fall color. Shishigashira Japanese Maple makes a great container plant. When placed in the garden it has a sculptural effect that only improves with age.