Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'

Lion's Head Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’, commonly known as Lion’s Head Maple, is a distinctive Japanese maple prized for its dense, upright habit and thick, curled leaves. The foliage appears tightly clustered along stiff, upright branches, giving the tree a bold, sculptural look unlike most Japanese maples.

Spring foliage emerges bright green, maturing to deep green through summer with excellent substance and resistance to scorch. In fall, ‘Shishigashira’ turns vibrant shades of golden yellow, orange, and red, often with excellent intensity. Leaves are small to medium-sized, crinkled, and heavily textured.

The growth habit is upright, compact, and columnar, with slow to moderate growth and strong winter structure. It performs best in partial shade and prefers well-drained, evenly moist soil.

Size



Width: 6–8 ft



Height: 10–15 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 5–8



Best Uses


Specimen tree for architectural form



Japanese or Asian-inspired gardens



Small gardens and courtyards



Accent plant with strong winter structure



Collector or feature tree for texture

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Japanese Maple

Height

10-15'

Width

6-8'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Crimson, Orange, Yellow

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Vase Shaped

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No

10-year height

4'

10-year width

6'