Acer palmatum Shishigashira
A must have tree with bunches of branch-laden curly leaves that look like a lion's mane for which it is named. The name refers to the mane of a mythical female lioness of Japanese drama. It is hardy and can take some sun and a medium grower. It has been in cultivation since 1882. This is a tree you have to touch as you pass by just to see if those ruffled stiff leaves are real . A really cool tree with a different look ...for a smaller similar tree see 'Ojishi' which means 'lion' (male lion) which is even more compact than Shishigashira. A lioness is known as 'Mejishi'.
- Winter Hardiness: Zone 5 - Down to -20°
- Summer Hardiness: Tree will be planted in full sun
- Tree Size: Medium up to 12' in ten years or more
- Tree Form: Upright
- Leaf Size: Small
- Leaf Type: Odd or Different Types on Each Branch
- Spring Color: Green
- Summer Color: Green
- Fall Color: Red, Yellow and Orange