Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'

Here are some images of Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'. This crinkle-leaved cultivar is one of my favorites. The tightly tufted growth habit is very attractive and unusual. It appears as if sculpted. Text indicates that this cultivar will get about 16.5' tall or better, eventually. I have heard tales of individual trees getting 30' but have never seen them. These are certainly slow growers. Pictured here are two pics of a friend's 7' specimen, photos made 10-5-03. A picture of my largest. not over 12", in a "Root Trapper" container, grafted in the last millennium. Photo made 4-16-03. Also a picture of a small grouping of six, grafted in 2001, photo made 6-4-03.

 

Close-up of leaves. So tiny, crinkled, and close together!

 

'Shishigashira'

I have planted two Shishigashira trees. One is in full sun, the other is in full shade. I live in zone 6, and I was wondering what experience other people have had with 'Shishigashira'. Posted below are the two trees. I like the one in the shade better.

 

Hi Krautz,

I don't personally have experience with this particular tree, but from looking at your photos I'm thinking you may have them planted too deeply. Take a look here to confirm.

http://www.tlcfortrees.info/planting depth.htm
http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/planting/nosoil.htm
http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/planting/rootballdimensions.htm

If you need to expose the flare, wait until spring when the ground isn't frozen.

Newt

 

Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' - private collection. October 2005; November 2001. Then there is the new growth. The beautiful Shishigashira, Lion's Mane; or rather Lion's Headdress, November 2005.

 

late fall color on shishigashira Dec 3

 

One of the last to color, and some years it never gets there because of a hard freeze, but this year, Shishigashira put on quite a show. This was taken in very early morning light-

 

The picture below is of seeds that had fallen from my Shishigashira this spring.

 

Here is a pic of my Shishigashira. I planted it this year and it is about 4.5 feet high. I love this cultivar and I have another small one right near my back deck. About 1.5 years ago I had no Japanese Maples, but now I have over 50 of them, about 30 are planted in the yard. I am very exciting about the spring colors I will see this year.

 

Hi John,

My Shishigashira is over 10 years old. I am keeping it pruned to around 6'. Behind is a Shindeshojo peeking over the top. Take lots of photos this spring! Sam

 

Looking for a source to purchase a 3-4 foot specimen in the Philadelphia area or reputable mail-order. Can any one recommend a supplier to me?

Thanks!

 

I have one I can give you a great deal on. I live in Garnet Valley, Pa. I will post a pic tonight. If you want to come and visit this weekend let me know. I have 250 different maple cultivars.

Mike

 

Mike,

You bet. Please let me know the details and I'll come by this weekend.

Geoff Stuart

 

This is the tree I was talking about. if your into maples it may be worth the trip.

Mike

 

Looks like it would fit my needs pretty well. How much are you asking for it (what's the "great deal") and how do I get to your place? Also, is it grafted or on original root stock?

Thanks,

Geoff

 

Hi Mike,

Wow, a great looking Shishi. All of your maples outside are fully leafed out and mine are still puny. I guess PA is warmer than I thought. Thanks for posting pics of some very fine looking maples. Sam

 

Whoa Mike,

Looking great there! Can't wait to get over and take a look.

Gil

 

This photo was taken November 11, 2007, and it shows the late fall color of this beautiful cultivar. I love it's "Japanese" shape (when properly pruned) and dense accumulation of foliage. I feel the best thing about this cultivar is its growing habit ... tall, lean and then clumped with gorgeous foliage.

 

Hi Mike and all,

I love my Shishi. It is right in front of a Shindeshojo and the combination of spring color is WOW. I had a nice couple visit and enjoy a garden tour. After they saw my baby they bought the largest one I had left.

My JM has been in the ground 15 years and I keep it pruned at six feet. Not hard to do, I just prune all new growth each year. Hope you are all enjoying spring and Mother's Day. Sam

 

Hey Sam, It looks wonderful!!! I love maples with that sizes! l hope I will get mine sooner or later.

Nelson

 

...

 

How did the seedling turn out?

 

Unfortunately, these came down in the spring and I did not have any luck germinating them. I have much better success with seed picked in the fall and I have not seen any seed on my Shishigashira in fall.

Ed

 

I got this as an afterthought with my order of other maples, and it turns out to be one of my favorites. There is something really cool about the way the leaves clump together.

 

Indeed this is a lovely cultivar with an unusual shape and great colors. What's not to like? Here is one of my Shishigashiras, the first photo taken July 11, 2007 and the second photo taken November 11, 2007.