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ACER palmatum 'Shishigashira'

Image of Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Aceraceae

Botanical Name

ACER palmatum 'Shishigashira'

Plant Common Name

Japanese Maple, Lion's Mane Maple

General Description

The beautiful and well-known Japanese maple is a small deciduous tree native to eastern Asia. The cultivar 'Shishigashira' (commonly known as lion's mane maple) features small, crinkled, palmate (hand-shaped) leaves that are bunched along the branches. The fall color is yellow and orange and exceptionally late. In winter, the stark gray branches of this narrow, upright tree adds interest to any landscape.

Humus-rich, well-drained, acidic soil and sun to part shade are ideal for the Japanese maple. It is versatile in the landscape and may be grown as a feature plant, in a mixed border, or in a container.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 2

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    A3, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    12'-15' / 3.7m - 4.6m

  • Width

    10'-12' / 3.0m - 3.7m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer

  • Native To

    Eastern Asia, China, Japan, Korea

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Red

  • Fruit Color

    Red, Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Light Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Yellow, Orange, Gold

  • Bark Color

    Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No