Botanical profile

Acer palmatum 'Ojishi'

Latin name
Acer palmatum Ojishi
Common name
Japanese maple 'Ojishi'
Type
TREE
Family
Sapindaceae

Acer palmatum ‘Ojishi’, also known as 'Ojishi' Japanese maple, is a very distinctive dwarf selection, prized for its compact and stocky habit, combined with dense, rugged foliage with an astonishingly sculpted texture. The dark green, thick, curled leaves evoke a lion's mane, hence its nickname "lion's head maple." In autumn, they turn fiery red to orange-red, creating a vibrant focal point in restricted settings. Its structured and graphic appearance is ideal for Zen gardens, rockeries, containers, or as a specimen plant. Very slow-growing, ‘Ojishi’ develops a dense, miniature silhouette, perfect for manicured spaces where every form is highlighted. It prefers fresh, well-drained soil and partial shade, away from drying winds. It is a variety with character, compact, textured, and highly ornamental.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 5
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Moderate, cool and consistent soil
Fertilization
Gentle fertilizer in spring, low in nitrogen
Soil type
Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic
Minimum temperature
-20.2 °F
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Spring
Flower color
Pale Red (Spring)
Fruiting
Discreet red samares
Foliage color
Deep green → fiery red (fall)
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Dense globule
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
4 ft (1.2 m)
Width
3 ft (1 m)
Growth rate
Slow
Pet friendly
Safe for pets

Pets

Pollinators
Attracts or supports pollinating insects

Pollinators

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.