Little Volunteer Tulip Tree
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Little Volunteer'
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Specifications
| Plant Characteristics | Cold hardy, Fast-growing, Native, Flowering, Fall Color/Interest, Attracts pollinators |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone | 4a to 9b |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Height | |
| Width | |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Preferred Soil | Loamy |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Blooms In | Spring, Summer |
| Flower Color | Orange, Yellow |
| Fragrant | Yes |
| Native | Yes |
| Suitable Space | Outdoors |
| Botanical Name | |
| Species | |
| Cultivar | |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Does Not Ship To | AK, HI, ID, MT, PR |
Description
Little Volunteer Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera 'Little Volunteer') brings one of America's most iconic native trees down to a size that actually fits in a residential yard. The species Tulip Poplar can tower 70-90 feet tall, which rules it out for most home landscapes. This compact cultivar, discovered in Tennessee (the "Volunteer State"), tops out at 30-35 feet with a 15-20 foot spread, giving you all the character of its towering parent without the massive footprint.
Why You'll Love Little Volunteer Tulip Tree
- Compact native shade tree at roughly one-third the size of the standard Tulip Poplar
- Unique tulip-shaped yellow-green flowers with orange accents bloom in late spring
- Bright golden yellow fall color that lights up the autumn landscape
- Fast growth rate gets you shade and presence quickly
- Strong central leader creates a clean, upright form with minimal pruning
- Native to eastern North America with excellent wildlife and pollinator value
Growing Conditions
Little Volunteer Tulip Tree is hardy in zones 4-9, making it one of the most widely adaptable native trees you can plant. Give it full sun for the best growth and flowering. It prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil but adapts to a range of conditions. Keep it well-watered during the first few growing seasons and during extended drought, as tulip trees are sensitive to prolonged dry conditions.
Size and Growth Habit
This fast-growing tree reaches 30-35 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide at maturity. It develops a straight central leader and a pyramidal to oval canopy that becomes more rounded with age. The leaves are proportionally smaller than the species, roughly one-third the size, giving the tree an elegantly scaled appearance. You'll notice substantial growth within just a few years of planting.
Landscape Uses and Design Ideas
Little Volunteer makes an outstanding specimen tree, a reliable shade tree for smaller properties, or an anchor plant in a mixed native border. Its upright form and fast growth also make it a solid choice for screening and quick canopy coverage. The golden fall color pairs well with the reds and oranges of maples and oaks for a multi-toned autumn display. Because it's native, it supports local pollinators, butterflies (including the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail), and songbirds.
Planting and Care Tips
Plant in a spot with room to grow. Dig the hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, keeping the root flare at soil level. Water deeply and regularly through the first two to three seasons to establish a strong root system. Once settled in, this tree is low-maintenance. Prune only in late winter to remove any crossing or damaged branches. No significant pest or disease issues affect this cultivar.
Explore our full collection of trees and flowering trees to build a landscape with year-round interest.
Explore More from Nature Hills
The Little Volunteer Tulip Tree makes an excellent addition to any collection of native plants and pairs beautifully with other flowering trees for seasonal interest throughout your landscape. This hardy specimen thrives in zone 4 plants, trees & shrubs and zone 5 plants, trees & shrubs collections, making it a reliable choice for northern gardeners. For more planting inspiration, explore our guides on Best Privacy Trees and Shrubs to Plant This Spring and Best Trees That Keep Their Leaves All Year to discover complementary plantings for your garden.
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping Rates
Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150 - $198.99 | $24.99 |
| $199+ | FREE |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
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My previous sapling tulip poplars both died which was saddening I had purchased them as little seedlings hoping to watch them grow tall but that wasn’t the destiny of the future for them so I gave up on trying to grow the tulip poplar again until recently when I saw nature hills nursery had the little volunteer tulip poplar tree in stock though I had already planted a October glory maple sapling…My friend had expressed the desire of wanting a tree for his backyard & I still had the desire in wanting another tulip poplar but on a smaller scale. So I ended up digging up the October glory maple sapling & gave it to him as a early birthday gift while I saw there were only 3 little volunteer tulip polar trees in stock at nature hills nursery I pulled the trigger & decided to take one last chance on this tree I’ve been wanting to grow & have a love for a while. This tree arrived healthy & beautifully & honestly it’s the right size tree for the space as well not too tall & wont be to wide as in width of the tree. I planted this the very day I received it also where I had previously planted the October Glory Maple tree as we were in the middle of a heatwave the last week of June here in St.Louis. I thought the tree would shed some leaves once planted but it’s maintained it’s green leaves the entire time so far however it also helps that it’s been a bit unusual stormy here in the St.Louis area so that’s helped it’s typically very hot & dry with sporadic chances of storms during July. In all my friend is very pleased with how the October glory maple looks in his backyard & I’m ecstatic about this little volunteer tulip poplar tree I’m very patient in watching it grow in fact it has some new growth on it already so all in all my friend wins & I win. Thank you nature hills nursery for delivering me another healthy beautiful tree this was definitely a last minute take a chance decision for me…
Shane, what a journey to finally get a Tulip Poplar established, and planting it the same day it arrived during a St. Louis heatwave takes some dedication. The fact that it held its leaves and is already pushing new growth tells you the root system came through in good shape. Liriodendron tulipifera tends to reward patient growers, and it sounds like you are exactly that. Thanks for sharing the story, and for passing the October Glory along to a friend who clearly appreciated it.
Vertically, Half the tree has branches & the other side of the leader none. You literally could grow the trunk/leader up against a flat wall and it would fit directly up to the wall due to the lack of half the trees branches missing on one side of the trees leaders vertical plain. This appears to be genetic or a rogue over zealous pruning. The worry is whether this will create a one sided adult tree, only good for an espialler flat wall trellis. Wrote the company and to my knowledge never heard back, about the little Volunteer Tulip Poplar.
I have been looking for a Liriodendron tulipifera 'Little Volunteer' for years, and finally found one at Nature Hills. It came, larger than expected, five feet tall from the crown, and leafed out in the Spring. It was also very reasonably priced. It has since has put on some new growth and seems very happy.
While it did not hurt the plant, the bottom of the box was open, and would have benefitted from a bit more tape prior to shipping. Otherwise the packing was very well done.
Very healthy tree. Excited to watch it grow!
Tulip trees are so rewarding to watch develop over the seasons, and Little Volunteer is a great choice for those who want that classic tulip tree character in a more compact form. Glad it arrived in good shape. Give it a good deep watering during dry spells that first season and it should settle in well for you.
