Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’ (Lion’s Head Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’ – How to Grow the Lion’s Head Japanese Maple

From a distance, Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’ can resemble a small tree that has been carefully clipped into shape. Move closer, and its secret becomes clear: hundreds of tightly curled green leaves crowd along short, sturdy shoots, creating a naturally dense, almost sculpted crown.

Known as the Lion’s Head Japanese Maple, ‘Shishigashira’ is an unusually upright, slow-growing cultivar with a character all its own. Its glossy, crinkled foliage remains green through summer, then turns gold, orange, and crimson remarkably late in autumn. For Japanese gardens, courtyards, and sheltered borders, few small trees offer quite the same combination of texture, structure, and seasonal color.

Quick Facts – Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’

Summary: Slow-growing, deciduous Japanese maple with a dense, upright, often vase-shaped habit.
Use: Ideal for Japanese gardens, courtyards, sheltered borders, small gardens, and large containers.
Highlight: Small, heavily curled green leaves, clustered along sturdy branches, with brilliant late autumn color.
Botanical interest: Its unusual foliage resembles a lion’s mane, and its fall display often follows that of other Japanese maples.

Botanical Name	Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’
Alternative Names	‘Shishi-gashira’; ‘Ribesifolium’, ‘Crispifolium’, ‘Mejishi’ (historical synonyms)
Family	Sapindaceae
Common Names	Lion’s Head Japanese Maple, Lion’s Mane Japanese Maple
Origin	Japanese cultivated selection; parent species native to East Asia
Plant Type and Habit	Deciduous small tree or large shrub; slow-growing, upright, densely branched
Hardiness	USDA Zones 5-8; RHS H6
Size at 10 Years / Mature Size	About 7 ft. (2.1 m) tall after 10 years; commonly 7-15 ft. (2.1-4.5 m) tall and 5-12 ft. (1.5-3.6 m) wide over many years. Exceptional specimens may grow taller.
Exposure	Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade in hot climates
Soil	Fertile, moist but well-drained clay, loam, sand, or suitable chalky soil; preferably acidic to neutral
Foliage	Small, crinkled, 5-7-lobed green leaves; gold, orange, and crimson fall color
Flowers and Fruit	Small reddish-purple spring flowers followed by paired winged samaras
Pet Safety	No established cultivar-specific toxicity classification; discourage ingestion

Care – Quick

• Light: Sun to partial shade, depending on summer temperatures.
• Water: Keep evenly moist during establishment; avoid waterlogging.
• Soil: Humus-rich, well-drained, preferably slightly acidic.
• Temperature: Winter-hardy; shelter from drying winds and late frosts.
• Mulch: Apply 2-3 in. (5-7 cm), clear of the trunk.
• Maintenance: Minimal pruning; avoid excessive fertilizer.
• Propagation: Grafting or softwood cuttings.

What Is Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’?

Description and Origin

‘Shishigashira’ is a Japanese selection of Acer palmatum whose name translates to “lion’s head”. Its crowded, curled leaves resemble a lion’s mane. Known historically as ‘Ribesifolium’ and ‘Mejishi’, it is now widely grown under the name ‘Shishigashira’, although the RHS uses ‘Shishi-gashira’.

Growth Habit and Mature Size

Short, sturdy shoots give this maple a dense, upright, sometimes vase-shaped silhouette. Young trees may look surprisingly open, but the crown becomes fuller with age. The Dawes Arboretum records approximately 7 ft. (2.1 m) of height after 10 years.

Missouri Botanical Garden gives a longer-term size of 7-15 ft. (2.1-4.5 m) tall and 5-12 ft. (1.5-3.6 m) wide. Growth continues beyond ten years, and exceptional old specimens can exceed these estimates. Allow room for its eventual crown rather than planning around the size of a young nursery tree.

Leaves and Color

The small, 5-7-lobed leaves, usually about 2 in. (5 cm) long, have irregularly toothed margins curled upward and inward. They emerge bright green, deepen during summer, then develop gold, orange, and crimson shades in autumn. Their tight clustering makes the branches appear unusually thick.

Flowers and Fruit

Small reddish-purple flowers appear in spring, typically April or May, followed by paired winged fruits called samaras. Neither is particularly showy from a distance.

Hardiness and Seasonal Interest

Hardy in USDA Zones 5-8, ‘Shishigashira’ holds its green foliage unusually late before coloring. After leaf fall, its sturdy, often twisted branching provides winter structure.

Award

‘Shishigashira’ has earned the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Uses in the Garden

• Japanese gardens: A sculptural accent beside stones, gravel, or restrained groundcovers.
• Courtyards: Upright growth suits sheltered spaces.
• Small gardens: Slow growth makes it manageable for many years.
• Containers: Attractive in large pots with adequate root space.
• Bonsai: Prized for its compact shoots and distinctive foliage.

Wildlife Value

The small spring flowers may attract visiting insects, while the branches provide limited shelter. It is primarily an ornamental tree, not a major wildlife resource.

Deer and Rabbits

Japanese maples are generally rabbit-tolerant and show some resistance to deer browsing. Deer may still browse tender shoots or rub young trunks with their antlers.

Drought Tolerance

Established trees tolerate brief dry periods, but prolonged drought can cause leaf scorch. Regular moisture is especially important during hot weather.

Toxicity to Humans and Pets

No established cultivar-specific toxicity classification is available. Japanese maple should not be confused with red maple (Acer rubrum), whose wilted leaves are dangerous to horses. Discourage ingestion of ornamental foliage.

Invasiveness

‘Shishigashira’ is not generally considered invasive. Japanese maple seedlings can occasionally establish outside cultivation in favorable regions, but this cultivar is not known for aggressive spreading.

How to Identify a Genuine Shishigashira Japanese Maple

‘Shishigashira’ is recognizable once you know what to look for, but young trees may not yet display the dense crown seen on established specimens.

Shishigashira vs. Other Upright Japanese Maples

For more choices, explore Gardenia’s Japanese maples for small gardens and containers.

Growing Conditions for ‘Shishigashira’

Light

Grow in full sun to partial shade. Cooler climates allow more sunlight, while hot-summer regions benefit from afternoon shade. The RHS notes that foliage color is generally best in partial shade.

Soil and Water

Choose fertile, moist but well-drained soil, ideally slightly acidic to neutral. Clay, loam, sand, and suitable chalky soils are possible, provided drainage is good. Highly alkaline soil may cause chlorosis.

Water deeply during establishment and mulch to keep roots cool. Avoid both prolonged drought and saturated soil.

Temperature and Exposure

Shelter from drying winds and exposed, heat-reflecting sites. Newly emerging leaves can suffer late spring frost damage, while container roots need protection during severe freezing.

Planting, Maintenance, and Propagation

Planting and Container Growing

Plant in spring or autumn with the root flare at soil level and the graft union above ground. For containers, choose a large pot with drainage holes and a moisture-retentive, well-drained growing mix. Repot as needed.

Maintenance and Pruning

Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches during dormancy. Avoid heavy shaping: the naturally dense crown is the attraction. Fertilize lightly only when necessary.

Propagation

Grafting is commonly used to preserve this cultivar, although softwood cuttings are possible. Seedlings will not reliably reproduce its compact habit and distinctive leaves.

Problems and Pests: Why Are My Shishigashira Leaves Curling or Turning Brown?

Curled foliage is normal for ‘Shishigashira’. The important question is whether the leaves remain healthy or show additional signs of stress.

Potential pests include aphids, scale insects, and caterpillars. Diseases may include root rot, cankers, leaf spots, and Verticillium wilt.

Design Ideas and Companion Plants

The dense green crown of ‘Shishigashira’ looks particularly good with flowing grasses, broad blue leaves, and delicate woodland flowers. Select companions sharing its preference for partial shade and moist but well-drained soil.

• Golden movement: Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Golden Hakone Grass) – USDA Zones 5-9; arching gold-striped leaves contrast with the upright maple.
• Blue foliage: Hosta ‘Halcyon’ (Plantain Lily) – USDA Zones 3-9; broad, blue leaves complement its crinkled foliage. Toxic to cats and dogs.
• Spring flowers: Tiarella ‘Spring Symphony’ (Foam Flower) – USDA Zones 4-9; pink buds open into airy, creamy-white flowers in late spring.
• Copper-green texture: Dryopteris erythrosora (Autumn Fern) – USDA Zones 5-9; copper-colored young fronds soften the tree’s sturdy silhouette.
• Flowering shrub contrast: Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum Wabi-Sabi® (Doublefile Viburnum) – USDA Zones 5-8; white spring flowers suit a nearby brighter position.

Gardenia Planting Recipe – A Sculptural Japanese Woodland Garden

The combination balances a strong vertical focal point with softer ground-level planting. Keep companions clear of the trunk and avoid disturbing established maple roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

Royal Horticultural Society – Acer palmatum ‘Shishi-gashira’.

Missouri Botanical Garden – Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’.

The Dawes Arboretum – Shishigashira Japanese Maple.

Gardenia – Great Japanese Maples for Containers.

Updated: October 2026