Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’ (often called the lion’s head maple) is a distinctive Japanese maple recognised for its unusually thick, crinkled foliage and compact, upright habit. The small, tightly curled green leaves create a dense, textured appearance through spring and summer, setting it apart from more finely cut or open forms. In autumn, the foliage turns striking shades of golden yellow, orange, and red, delivering strong seasonal colour. Slow growing and naturally well structured, ‘Shishigashira’ is valued for its architectural form as much as its foliage, making it an excellent choice for specimen planting in sheltered gardens where texture and autumn colour are key features.