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Ornamental deciduous small tree
Sapindaceae
Upright Canadian Zone 5 Japanese maple with curled foliage
Shishigashira Japanese maple
Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’
Shishigashira Japanese maple is a slow, dense, upright small tree also known as lion’s-head maple. Small green leaves are strongly crinkled and curled, crowding along the shoots to create a distinctive sculpted texture. They turn gold, orange and crimson late in autumn. At maturity, allow approximately 2.5 to 4 m in height and 1.5 to 2.5 m in spread. In Canadian Zone 5, select a position sheltered from wind, salt and reflected heat, with gentle sun or partial shade. Organic, evenly moist, slightly acidic to neutral soil with dependable drainage, deep watering during establishment and minimal pruning support a balanced crown. Listed container sizes or height describe the sale plant rather than its eventual dimensions in the landscape.
15 gallons; 20 gallons; 24 gallons; 100 cm
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- Quantity
- 15 gallons; 20 gallons; 24 gallons; 100 cm
- Exposure
- Gentle sun to partial shade; favour filtered light and a sheltered site
- Hardiness
- Canadian Zone 5; a protected site is recommended
Discover the plant
Common nameShishigashira Japanese maple; lion’s-head maple
FamilySapindaceae
GenusAcer
Speciespalmatum
CultivarShishigashira
TypeOrnamental deciduous small tree
Botanical nameAcer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’
Shishigashira Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’), also called lion’s-head maple, is a slow-growing, dense, upright deciduous small tree. Small, bright to dark green leaves are strongly crinkled and curled, crowding along the shoots to give the crown its distinctive sculpted texture. In autumn they develop gold, orange and crimson tones, often late in the season. Small reddish-purple spring flowers may be followed by discreet winged samaras. Allow approximately 2.5 to 4 m in height and 1.5 to 2.5 m in spread at maturity rather than treating it as a permanently dwarf shrub. Growth remains deliberate, but the crown becomes substantial with time.
In Canadian Zone 5, plant Shishigashira where it is sheltered from drying wind, road salt and reflected heat. It accepts sun or partial shade, although filtered light or light afternoon shade helps limit leaf scorch. Choose organic, evenly moist, slightly acidic to neutral soil with dependable drainage. Keep the root flare visible, water deeply through the first two growing seasons and maintain 5 to 8 cm of mulch without touching the trunk. A thin surface layer of mature compost is often enough; avoid strong or repeated feeding. Prune sparingly, preferably during dormancy, to preserve the naturally upright, densely branched outline and reduce unnecessary sap loss or stress.
Use this Shishigashira Japanese maple as a specimen beside a patio, in a protected courtyard, Japanese-style garden or partial-shade bed. Its vertical outline and curled foliage contrast effectively with ferns, sedges, green conifers and low native perennials. Reserve its mature width, keep the crown away from hot walls and direct salt-laden snow elsewhere. The 15-, 20- and 24-gallon or 100 cm listings describe the plant offered for sale, not its final size. Long-term container culture is less reliable in colder Canadian regions because roots experience more freezing and moisture fluctuation than they do in sheltered ground. Correct siting rewards the gardener with exceptional texture and late autumn colour.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Spacing / density
Space 2 to 2.5 m (6.5 to 8 ft) apart according to mature width
Best planting time
Spring after hard frost or early autumn
Propagation
Grafting to preserve the cultivar faithfully
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
About -29 °C (-20 °F)
Care level
Moderate
Watering
Water slowly and deeply after planting, then keep the root ball evenly moist through the first two growing seasons. Check moisture beneath the mulch before irrigating so both drought and excess water are avoided. During a heat wave, water in the morning before leaf margins brown. Reduce frequency gradually in autumn without allowing the root ball to dry before freeze-up.
Soil type
Choose loose, organic-rich loam that remains fresh and drains very well. Where soil is poor, apply mature compost at the surface without creating an isolated pocket of amended soil. Avoid compacted clay, waterlogged depressions, alkaline construction fill and salt. A broad mulch ring protects fine roots while leaving the root flare visible and accessible for inspection through every Canadian season.
Fertilization
Fertilize sparingly. A thin surface layer of mature compost is often sufficient in suitable soil. When growth or colour appears abnormal, test the soil before adding fertilizer. Excess nitrogen produces soft shoots that are more vulnerable to cold. Stop nitrogen applications early enough for new growth to harden before the local Canadian winter and always follow product directions. Always follow labelled rates.
Moisture
Evenly moist fresh soil, never waterlogged; protect from drying wind
Seasonal care
In spring, inspect the trunk, graft union, root flare and branch unions after snowmelt. Restore 5 to 8 cm of mulch without covering bark, remove tight ties and water when rainfall is inadequate. Compare bud break across several branches before declaring late-frost injury. In summer, check moisture beneath mulch and drainage when margins brown; also observe wind, reflected heat and afternoon sun. Watch for aphids, mites, scales, leaf spots, cankers and Verticillium symptoms, then obtain a diagnosis before treatment. During dormancy, remove only dead, broken, diseased or crossing wood and rootstock shoots with a clean tool. Do not shear the characteristic leaf clusters and never top the crown. In autumn, record the late development of gold, orange and crimson colour, water before freeze-up when soil is dry and collect heavily spotted leaves. In winter, direct salt-laden snow elsewhere, protect a young trunk from rodents without tightening the guard and insulate any temporary container. Each year, photograph the same branches, verify open space around the crown and test actual irrigation depth. This routine distinguishes normal seasonal variation from recurring stress and preserves the naturally upright outline with few interventions. Reassess nearby shade as surrounding trees grow and keep turf outside the mulched root area. Record major weather events, late frosts and heat waves so repeated damage can be linked to conditions before management changes are made.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Suitable for a large stable, drained and frost-resistant container; insulate roots in winter for the region
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
2 to 3 m (6 to 10 feet)
Width / spread
2.5 m (8 feet)
Flower color
Reddish purple, discreet
Foliage color
Bright to dark green; gold, orange and crimson late in autumn
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Slow
Growth habit
Upright, dense, compact and slowly broadening
Bloom period
Small reddish-purple flowers appear in spring, generally as foliage expands. They are interesting at close range but remain secondary to the crown’s texture. Abundance varies with age, site and late frost. Some insects may visit them, so avoid non-targeted insecticides during this period. Discreet winged samaras can form after pollination. Limited bloom on a young tree is not a problem and does not reduce the cultivar’s main value. Observe more than one season before drawing conclusions about flowering or fruit production.
Fruiting
Discreet winged samaras may follow the flowers and mature from late summer into autumn. Their presence varies with plant age, pollination and late frost. Seedlings do not reproduce Shishigashira faithfully because the cultivar is maintained by grafting. Remove misplaced volunteers before they compete with roots. Do not use fruit quantity as a measure of cultivar identity or health. Lack of samaras on a young specimen is normal and reduces neither foliage texture nor autumn colour. Keep the graft union visible so rootstock growth can be distinguished from the named cultivar.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pair Shishigashira with green conifers, ferns, sedges, foamflowers, coral bells, bush honeysuckles and native perennials suited to evenly moist but drained soil. Their simpler foliage emphasizes the maple’s curled texture without competing with its upright crown. Establish them toward the perimeter without cutting roots, covering the flare or trapping low branches. Avoid invasive groundcovers and plants requiring saturated soil. Preserve open access for deep irrigation and graft-union inspection. Monitor competition as companions mature and adjust them before they touch the crown. Match moisture needs so neighbouring plants do not force drought or waterlogging around the maple.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
Why is Shishigashira called lion’s-head maple?
The name refers to tight clusters of small, strongly crinkled and curled leaves crowded along the shoots. This dense texture traditionally suggests a lion’s mane or head. It is normal and does not result from disease or lack of water. Leaves open bright green, deepen during summer and develop gold, orange and crimson tones late in autumn. Slow growth gradually strengthens the sculpted effect as branching becomes denser. Avoid shearing or routinely thinning the clusters because that would remove the cultivar’s defining character. Instead, compare the same shoots each year and intervene only on dead, broken, diseased or crossing wood. Correct siting keeps the foliage healthy enough for its unusual form to remain clearly visible.
Why do Shishigashira leaves turn brown?
Leaf margins can brown when hot sun, drying wind, reflected heat or salt dehydrates foliage. A dry root ball, saturated roots or late frost can produce a similar appearance. First check moisture beneath mulch and drainage, then record exposure and timing. Water deeply when needed, direct salt-laden snow elsewhere and provide light afternoon shade without enclosing the crown. Do not add fertilizer automatically. When dieback progresses across several branches, look for leaf spots, cankers or Verticillium symptoms and obtain a diagnosis before treatment. Photograph the damage so its distribution and development can be compared the following year. Healthy inner foliage beside damaged exposed leaves often indicates environmental scorch rather than a whole-tree disorder.
Can Shishigashira grow in a container in Canada?
Yes, temporarily in a large stable container at least 60 cm wide and deep with generous drainage holes. Use an aerated medium, keep the root flare visible and water when the upper layer begins to dry. Container roots are much more exposed to cold, wind and freeze-thaw cycles than roots in the ground. Before winter, move the pot to a sheltered position and insulate the root ball without trapping water. Do not bring the dormant tree into a warm room. Because Shishigashira can reach 2.5 to 4 m in height and 1.5 to 2.5 m in spread, sheltered in-ground planting remains the most reliable long-term option in Canadian Zone 5. Increase container size before roots circle densely.
What mature size should be allowed for Shishigashira?
Allow approximately 2.5 to 4 m in height and 1.5 to 2.5 m in spread over the long term. Growth is slow and a young specimen may remain much smaller for several years, but compact does not mean permanently dwarf. Reserve mature width at planting and account for walls, eaves, paths and wires. The 15-, 20- and 24-gallon or 100 cm listings indicate only the size offered at purchase. They alter neither mature dimensions nor the need for well-drained soil. Photograph the full outline each year; this simple record shows the crown’s gradual broadening and allows neighbouring plants to be moved before they create a conflict. Avoid relying on repeated pruning to correct an undersized planting space.
How should Shishigashira Japanese maple be pruned?
Respect the upright habit and tight leaf clusters. During dormancy, remove only dead, broken, diseased or crossing wood and every confirmed rootstock shoot. Use clean tools and cut just outside the branch collar without leaving a stub. Never top the crown or shear it into a geometric form. Correct distance from walls and paths reduces future pruning. Observe the structure through several seasons before removing a healthy branch because slow growth replaces an unnecessary cut only gradually. Hire a certified arborist for a large limb, crack or elevated work. Keeping the root flare and graft union visible also simplifies annual inspection. Minimal pruning protects both the sculpted foliage display and the dense natural outline customers selected.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Small spring flowers may be visited by some insects and the dense crown can provide occasional shelter. Any samaras may supply food, but their presence varies and is not Shishigashira’s principal attraction. Add several locally native flowering and fruiting plants to support more wildlife, maintain diverse plant layers and avoid non-targeted pesticides around the maple.