Shishigashira Japanese Maple - Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'

Japanese Maples

Japanese maples are among the most versatile and admired ornamental trees, prized for their elegant form, refined foliage, and year-round visual interest. Suitable for both garden planting and bonsai cultivation, these trees adapt beautifully to a wide range of landscapes and growing styles.

Growth Forms & Habits

Japanese maples are available in a wide variety of natural forms, including:

• Upright and spreading forms ideal for specimen planting
• Weeping and cascading varieties perfect for containers, slopes, and bonsai
• Compact and dwarf cultivars well-suited to small gardens, patios, and detailed bonsai work

Their graceful branching structure provides beauty even in winter once leaves have fallen.

Foliage & Bark Characteristics

Cultivars display a remarkable range of ornamental traits, including:

• Deep red, burgundy, and purple foliage, often changing through the seasons
• Fresh green or chartreuse leaves with brilliant fall color
• Variegated patterns with cream, pink, or white accents
• Coral bark selections with striking winter stem color
• Rough or fissured bark types prized for texture and age character

Leaf shapes range from finely dissected laceleaf forms to broader, classic palmate leaves.

Ideal for Bonsai & Garden Use

Japanese maples are highly valued for bonsai due to their fine branching, ability to reduce leaf size, and responsiveness to pruning and training. At the same time, they perform exceptionally well as garden trees—whether planted in the ground, grown in containers, or used as focal points in Japanese-inspired landscapes.

Why Choose Japanese Maples?

• Four-season interest: Spring foliage, summer canopy, brilliant fall color, and elegant winter structure
• Versatile sizing: Most varieties mature between 10–15 feet, perfect for small gardens and urban spaces
• Low maintenance: Once established, Japanese maples are hardy and require minimal care
• Container-friendly: Ideal for patios, balconies, or featured garden spots
• Excellent for bonsai: Fine branching, leaf reduction, and responsive to training

Plant Sizes

We offer Japanese maples in several size categories. Measurements are approximate and provided as a general guideline.

Please note: Plant size and form will vary depending on the cultivar purchased. Dwarf varieties will naturally be smaller and more compact than standard varieties, even within the same pot size.

Grown in Canada, for Canada. All our Japanese maples are cultivated and shipped from our Canadian nursery with care, ensuring they arrive healthy and ready to thrive in your climate.