Lion's Head Japanese Maple

roelex14

Mame
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At the landscape nursery i work at, we have a species of japanese maple known as the "Lion's Head" [Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira']. They are nothing like normal japanese maples, the leaves grow extremely dense and close to the main trunks, with a deep green color.

I was considering air grafting one next spring, but i was curious if anyone has seen a bonsai of this species. Let me know if u have any ideas or suggestions to if this would be a good specimen for a bonsai. Thanks!

heres a pic of a fully grown lion's head maple:

http://www.graybarn.com/Top10_Pages/lions_head_maple.jpg
 

J W

Sapling
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Santa Rosa, CA
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I didn't know they where called Lion's head maples. But I have three of them, they grow slow, they are easily air layered and the do not like strong winds like most maples. I will try to post a few pictures when I get home. I have found they also prefer more sand in there soil than most and do great in a lathe house.

JW
 

shohin kid

Shohin
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New Haven, CT
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Here are some pics of my fathers Shishigashira.

shishi1b.jpg


100_1709.jpg


100_1843.jpg


Purchased from Don at Gregory Beach Bonsai. We are very pleased with it.
 
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JRob

Seedling
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Roelex14,

The Shohin Shishi is 5.5" from soil to apex. Pic were take winter and early spring. I'll post a summer pic over the weekend. Great little tree always draws a lot of interest when displayed in shows.

JRob
 

discusmike

Omono
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I almost purchased that tree from Don over the winter,but i really wanted a larger tree,i think they are called lions mane maples for short.Thou the tree is very nice,just a little to small right now for my maple collection.
 

Ang3lfir3

Omono
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.... i think they are called lions mane maples for short.

Lion's Mane is the common name for the shishigashira ... sometimes label "Crispum" but according to Vertrees this is a missnomer..... needless to say a great species... they show color later than most maples but the colors are vibrant.

I also considered purchasing the tree but it was sold by the time I decided.

@JRob, not to sound rude or anything but I think this tree needs a different pot. The one its in seems too deep and the hex shape doesn't match well its form. The color choice is good but something more modeled and antique would be great for this wonderful tree. So a shallower oval in a similar color but maybe more antiqued would really bring out the character of this tree. An off white color like it was previously in or a pale yellow would also work well. That's all my opinion so take it for what it is... friendly advise.

BTW, how many shows could this tree have been in just this year?
 

Ken Duncan

Yamadori
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Here is a pic of a friend's tree.
Ken
 

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JRob

Seedling
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Ang3lfir3,

Thanks for the comments on pot choice. I agree. Love the color. It was picked as a compliment to fall color. The pot is the same depth as the one Don had it in must be the angle of the photos that gave the illusion of a deeper pot. His was the cream oval. The one I transplanted it in has a greater surface area due to the shape. To much for the tree I think. I have a nice antique pot it will go into next spring. I appreciate your comments.

I have only been involved in bonsai for almost a year now. I have fallen for the shohin. Here in St. Louis our summers are hot and club members told me I could be watering these small ones 2-3 times a day during the hight of summer. As it turns out my first summer in the art form has had a record cool spell and watering has not been an issue. Might turn out to be the coolest summer on record. Who knew! But I chose to play it safe so as not to lose anything and slightly overpotted to retain moisture. I have now gotten thru my first winter and almost a whole summer without a casualty.

Regards,
JRob
 
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