'Shishigashira', often referred to as 'Lion's Head' Japanese maple, is a unique specimen indeed. A definite standout in the landscape.
It's difficult to describe 'Shishigashira'. The leaves are curled up or sometimes described as congested. The branching is even very different from most Japanese maples in how tightly spaced the nodes are. You really have to see it to experience it. As far as leaf colour goes, deep green in spring and stays this way until the fall when yellow, orange and even red tones appear. This fall colour, in combination with the look of the leaves is when 'Shishigashira' lives up to it's name.
Expect Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' to grow to 8-12' tall and less wide, with a very sturdy, upright form.