Tulip Poplar 'Little Volunteer'

Little Volunteer is a compact, rounded-pyramidal tulip tree with the species’ distinctive lobed leaves on a much smaller frame. Its patent estimates mature dimensions of about 9 m high by 6 m wide and reports a four-year specimen at about 4 m by 2 m. ## Form and season The cultivar was selected for its dwarf habit and smaller foliage. The patent describes an ascending, central-leader form and notes that flowering had not yet been observed in the plants available when the patent was filed, so bloom should not be assumed for every planting. The published plant patent, [USPP19581P2](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP19581P2/en), identifies Alexander Neubauer as inventor, PlantHaven Inc. as assignee, and USDA hardiness zones 4–9. ## Siting Choose a location with moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The smaller proportions make this selection more suitable for residential landscapes than a species-size tulip tree, but its estimated 9 m height still calls for overhead and root-zone clearance. Avoid dry, compacted sites. ## Maintenance Water regularly while the tree establishes and during extended dry weather. Mulch the root area without piling material against the trunk, and preserve the central leader as the tree develops. Remove damaged branches as needed; allow space for its rounded pyramidal crown to mature.