Curly birch – a devilishly fine wood! The story of Finnish forests’ rare natural wonder extensively showcased at the Finnish Forest Museum Lusto

Picture a tree so tough, beautiful and full of character that it’s been called “pressed by the devil”. Curly birch isn’t just a rarity – it’s a super-material of Finnish nature and design.

Lusto’s new special exhibition, Curly birch – the tree pressed by the devil, unveils the full spectrum of this forest rarity: research, cultivation, and management of curly birch, traditional peasant objects, National Romantic Art Nouveau, touching wartime craftsmanship, classic curly birch creations, contemporary design, and future visions of curly birch from students at the Aalto University Wood Studio.

“The multi-faceted story of curly birch has really drawn me in. It’s been fascinating to delve into how this special wood has become intertwined with Finnish identity”.

— Reetta Karhunkorva, Head of Research, researcher of human-forest relationships, the Finnish Forest Museum Lusto

Curly birch is Finland’s national tree, a genetic variety of silver birch, the wood of which displays exceptionally decorative, brown pattern. The formation of curly grain is caused by the abnormal division of cambium, the growth tissue of the trunk, resulting in a unique, meandering grain pattern – nature’s own work of art. Due to its uniqueness, curly birch has been considered Finland’s most valuable tree throughout history. It naturally occurs only in a rather limited area of Northern and Eastern Europe.

The mystery of curly birch fascinated researchers for a long time. Professor Olli Heikinheimo was the first in the world to solve it, demonstrating as early as 1929 that the curling is a hereditary characteristic – so the mystery of curly birch was solved.

“A mysterious tree grows in Finland’s forests, rarely encountered by those on their travels. For centuries, it has been the most sought after – and most valuable. Now, following a century of research and development, Finland is a leading force in curly birch cultivation”.

— Anneli Viherä-Aarnio, D.Sc.(Agr. & For.), M.Sc.(Bot.), Emeritus Birch Researcher at the Natural Resources Institute Finland

The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to experience curly birch in its natural setting, within the national landscape as well. The curly birch stands of the Natural Resources Institute Finland’s Punkaharju research forest are located close to Lusto. Guided observation points there offer an invitation to explore the world of curly birch as a living environment.

The exhibition has been realised through the efforts of Finland’s leading curly birch experts and specialists, as well as a wide network of collaborators: the Finnish Forest Museum Lusto, Aalto University, the Natural Resources Institute Finland, Pro Puu Association, the Craft Museum of Finland, and the Curly Birch Society.