Acer palmatum 'Kurenai Jishi'
Dwarf Red 'Kurenai Jishi'  Red Lion Japanese Maple

Zones 5-9 

Acer palmatum 'Kurenai Jishi' can also be referred to as "the red Shishigashira". This Japanese maple forms a dwarf tree that leafs out in the early spring. The foliage emerges a deep full red with brightly colored new growth on a medium-sized leaf that tends to be slightly twisted. The leaves on this red lion Japanese maple are tightly held to the stems and very densely packed. This gives the plant a uniquely dignified full appearance. During the summer the leaves may be green-red to green. Fall colors on 'Kurenai Jishi' are bright oranges to red. 'Kurenai Jishi' will reach about 4.5 ft tall by 3 ft wide in 10 years.  The photos of the brighter red plants were taken in Oregon and the more bronze colored in North Carolina - color is brighter in cooler spring climates.

'Kurenai Jishi's' tight shape is ideal for small spaces in the landscape. 'Kurenai Jishi' came over to the United States in 2008. 'Kurenai' means deep red and 'Jishi' often refers to a lion.