SCIENTIFIC NAME: Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'

COMMON NAME: Shishigashira Japanese Maple (Female Lion’s Head Japanese Maple)

GARDEN SIZE: 7-15 feet tall x 5-12 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Slow

USDA ZONE: 5-8

EXPOSURE: Shade to Partial Sun

WATER & SOIL: Tolerant of various soil moistures and textures. Requires supplemental water during drought conditions.

HABIT (FORM): Upright, compact

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; crinkled, bright green leaves in summer, turning purple-red with orange-red patterns in fall (most intense in full sun)

FLOWERS: Reddish-purple, insignificant, bloom in April

PLANT ORIGIN: Japan, Korea and China

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a food source for local insects and wildlife.

FERTILIZING: Not necessary, but may apply organic compost in the spring. Fertilization can lead to excessive growth.

PRUNING: No pruning is necessary. May remove dead branches when needed. If shaping is desired, may be trimmed during dormancy.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Not generally considered toxic to pets.

USES: Specimen, Fall Color