Karelian Birch

[Betula pendula]

Sometimes overlooked and underappreciated, Karelian Birch presents one of the most uniquely beautiful burls on earth. It’s so exotic that Peter Carl Fabergé used the wood to make one of his Fabergé Eggs for the Russian Tsar in 1917.

Interestingly, though, Karelian Birch is not a true burl. And Karelian Birch trees aren’t an actual species. Most, in fact, are Silver Birch trees that grow in the Karelian region between Finland and Russia. With the resulting flame-like grain figure or “burl” a product of certain landscape features and unique soils only found this small geographic area.

No surprise, the felling of these special trees is tightly controlled by Finnish authorities, who enforce strict quotas available to only a special number of listed Karelian farmers and timber men.

An overall vibrant, golden color, the darker eyes in Karelian Birch’s figure create its famous “fire burl,” which resembles flames climbing up the veneer sheet. Its straight grain is fine textured and lustrous. 

Combining all these amazing qualities, Karelian Burl’s eye-stopping appearance makes it a list-topping choice for veneer, architectural plywood, furniture, doors, case goods, interior trim, and small specialty items — like Fabergé Eggs.