Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' Lion's Head Japanese Maple (7 Gallon) - PICK-UP ONLY

LOCAL PICKUP ONLY (MALVERN, PA) — SHIPPING IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS ITEM.

A Sculptural Japanese Maple with Extraordinary Fall Color

‘Shishigashira’ is not your typical Japanese maple. Also known as the Lion’s Head Japanese Maple, this exceptional cultivar develops dense clusters of beautifully crinkled green leaves along strong, upright branches, creating a distinctive sculptural appearance.

Its unusual foliage gives the tree incredible texture throughout the growing season. Then autumn arrives and ‘Shishigashira’ becomes a showstopper, transforming into glowing shades of gold, fiery orange, and crimson-red.

Slow-growing and naturally elegant, it develops into a compact, upright specimen that works beautifully near an entrance, along a garden path, beside a terrace, in a courtyard, or as a focal point within a Japanese-inspired or woodland garden.

Why Gardeners Love ‘Shishigashira’

• 🦁 Distinctive “Lion’s Head” foliage unlike ordinary Japanese maples
• 🍁 Spectacular fall color in gold, orange and crimson
• 🌿 Dense, richly textured green foliage
• 🌳 Naturally upright and sculptural
• 🏡 Excellent specimen tree for smaller gardens
• ✂️ Slow growing and easy to maintain
• ⭐ A highly collectible Japanese maple cultivar

Plant Details

Botanical Name: Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’
Common Name: Lion’s Head Japanese Maple
Size Offered: 7 Gallon
Mature Height: Approximately 10–15 ft
Mature Width: Approximately 6–10 ft
Growth Rate: Slow
Light: Morning sun / part sun / part shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
Habit: Compact, upright and densely branched
Fall Color: Gold, orange & crimson
USDA Hardiness: Zones 5–9

A True Specimen Tree

If you're looking for a Japanese maple that's a little more unusual, ‘Shishigashira’ is an outstanding choice. Its compact proportions make it easy to place, while its remarkable foliage gives it the presence of a much larger specimen tree.

As it matures, the branching becomes increasingly architectural, making older plants especially beautiful.