Lion’s head maple (Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’)

Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' is commonly called lion’s head maple or lion’s head Japanese maple. It is an upright, compact Japanese maple known for dense branching and small, curled leaves.

Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' typically grows about 7–15 feet tall and 5–12 feet wide in the landscape. Its mature size depends on climate, soil, pruning, and whether it is grown in a container.

Yes, Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' is generally slow to moderate growing, especially in containers. Young trees may take years to develop a substantial trunk, while established landscape plants can make steadier growth.

Grow Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' in full sun to partial shade. Morning sun with afternoon protection is often best in hot climates, while northern locations may support more direct sun.

Yes, it can grow in full sun if the soil remains evenly moist and the site is not excessively hot or windy. In hot summer regions, afternoon shade helps reduce leaf scorch.

Plant it in a sheltered location with well-drained, organic-rich soil and protection from harsh afternoon heat and drying winds. Avoid exposed sites where reflected heat or drought can damage the foliage.

Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' is generally suited to USDA Zones 5–8. Cold protection is especially useful for container-grown trees and for plants exposed to drying winter winds.

It prefers moist, organically rich, slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained loam. Improve compacted or sandy soil with organic matter, but do not plant it where water remains stagnant around the roots.

Water deeply whenever the soil surface begins to dry, keeping the root zone evenly moist but not waterlogged. Newly planted trees may need watering several times per week during hot, dry weather.

Brown leaf edges or patches are commonly caused by heat, drought, wind, salt buildup, or intense afternoon sun. Keep the soil evenly moist, apply mulch without touching the trunk, and improve protection from harsh exposure.

Prevent leaf scorch by maintaining consistent soil moisture, mulching the root zone, and providing afternoon shade in hot climates. Avoid fertilizer overuse and protect the tree from strong, drying winds.

Fertilize only when the tree shows weak growth or the soil is deficient, using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid heavy nitrogen applications, which can produce soft growth and increase stress.

Early leaf loss can result from drought, heat stress, root damage, transplant shock, disease, or autumn dormancy. Check soil moisture and drainage first, then inspect the trunk and branches for injury or dieback.

Yes, a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch helps conserve moisture and moderate root temperatures. Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk to prevent prolonged wetness and decay.

Plant it in early spring or fall when temperatures are moderate and soil moisture is reliable. Avoid planting during extreme summer heat unless the tree can be watered and shaded consistently.

Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper than its original soil level, then backfill with the excavated soil amended modestly with organic matter. Water thoroughly and mulch the root zone without covering the trunk flare.

Yes, Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' performs well in a large container with drainage holes and a porous, well-drained potting mix. Container plants dry out and freeze more quickly than plants in the ground, so they require closer monitoring.

Repot it in late winter or very early spring, just before active growth begins, when the root ball is crowded or water drains unusually quickly. Move it into only a moderately larger container to reduce the risk of persistently wet soil.

Yes, Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' is valued for bonsai because of its dense branching, compact habit, and small textured leaves. Its relatively slow thickening means development requires patience and careful root management.

Seed-grown plants will not reliably reproduce the named 'Shishigashira' characteristics because seedlings are genetically variable. Seed propagation is useful for growing Japanese maple seedlings, but the cultivar is normally maintained by vegetative propagation.

It can sometimes be propagated from cuttings, but rooting success is variable and often low for named Japanese maple cultivars. High humidity, a sterile porous medium, bottom heat, and careful moisture control improve the chances.

Air-layering may work on suitable branches, although results vary with timing, branch age, and aftercare. The new layer should remain protected from drying until a strong root system has formed.

Many nursery-grown named Japanese maples are grafted onto compatible Japanese maple rootstock. Remove rootstock shoots that emerge below the graft because they can outgrow and weaken the desired cultivar.

Light structural pruning is usually best in late winter, while the tree is dormant but severe freezing has passed. Spring and summer cuts may bleed sap and can expose the tree to unnecessary stress, so avoid heavy pruning then.

Prune selectively to remove dead, crossing, damaged, or poorly placed branches and to preserve its naturally dense upright form. Avoid shearing the canopy, which can create congested growth and spoil the plant’s architectural structure.

No specific toxicity is documented for Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira', but it is an ornamental plant and should not be intentionally eaten. Prevent pets and children from chewing large quantities of leaves, stems, or seeds.

Yes, it produces small reddish-purple flowers in spring, usually around April in temperate climates. The flowers are ornamental but relatively inconspicuous compared with the foliage and fall color.

Its foliage can develop a vivid blend of yellow-gold, orange, and red in fall. Color intensity depends on cultivar expression, sunlight, temperature, moisture, and local growing conditions.

Yes, like other Japanese maples, it can produce paired winged fruits called samaras after flowering. Seedlings from those samaras may differ from the parent plant and will not necessarily be true to 'Shishigashira'.