One of the faster growing trees of the Midwest, the tuliptree gets its name from the tulip-like flowers it produces in the Spring. This has always been an extremely popular tree to use in the landscape due to its orderly structure, rapid ability to provide substantial shade, and obtaining very few serious pests. The large swelling, or burl, at the base of this tree measures nearly 8 feet in diameter and is an indicator that something is wrong. More than likely it is reacting to decay that is present within, but could also be a cellular mutation or, less-commonly, a reaction to insects.