Acer palmatum 'Ojishi' Male Lion Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Ojishi' produces heavily crinkled, twisted chartreuse foliage at emergence that gradually flattens as it matures to rich dark green, retaining more consistent flatness than its relative 'Shishigashira'. A true ultra-dwarf reaching approximately 4-6 feet even in ten years, it develops a dense, vase-shaped branching structure with substantial basal stems and side branches emerging low from the base. Fall color transitions through bright yellow to orange and red tones, remaining vibrant even in warm climates. According to the growers at Mr Maple, 'Ojishi' (the male lion in Japanese mythological verse, paired with the female 'Shishigashira' and the dwarf 'Maishi') grows noticeably slower than 'Shishigashira' and is prized for its durability, heat tolerance, and exceptionally flat, refined foliage, making it an excellent choice for small garden spaces, container cultivation, and bonsai training.