'Shishigashira' is unlike any other Japanese maple in the world. This slow growing maple has somewhat glossy leaves that are curled and/or kinked up. One of its outstanding features is its compact arrangement of leaves The leaves are a deep green that lasts into the fall. The leaves are of a heavy substance that is firm to the touch. 'Shishigashira' holds its leaf color very well even in the hot Sun. In the fall this tree is a striking combination of gold suffused with rose and crimson tones. After most other maples begin to lose their color, 'Shishigashira' bursts into its glamorous color. 'Shishigashira' is also unique in that it can grow up to 15 feet tall yet it is one of the best bonsai trees in the world. This unique cultivar always attracts attention. It has been in cultivation and published in Japanese literature books since the 1880's. The name 'Shishigashira' means "Lion's Head" or "Lion's Mane."