Iittala Arboretum Puuttala

• Characteristics: The trunk of the aspen is greenish and smooth, and the bark covering it is gray. The trunks of old trees are barky and mossy. The crown is relatively narrow. The leaves are at the end of long petioles.
• Tree group: The aspen is a deciduous tree, a fast-growing tree belonging to the willow family and the genus Populus.
• Habitat: The aspen thrives in bright, dry, and fresh heath forests, groves, lush spruce mires, burnt and logged areas, on rocks, and at the edges of forests and fields.
• Prevalence: The aspen is one of the most widely distributed trees in the world. The common aspen is found in much of Europe, and in Western, Central, Northern, and Eastern Asia. Aspen is found throughout Finland.
• Economic significance: The aspen is a so-called retention tree, which refers to a living tree that the landowner permanently saves, allowing it to grow, die, and decay in the forest.
• Significance in nature: The aspen provides a habitat for numerous species, such as mosses, lichens, fungi, insects, and other invertebrates, as well as birds and mammals.
• Impact of climate change: The aspen is likely to benefit from global warming.

More information and images of the aspen.

• Characteristics: The leaves of the bay willow are long, oval-shaped, and bare and green on both sides. The height of the tree varies from two meters to fifteen meters.
• Tree group: Deciduous trees and willows
• Habitat: Moist groves, shores, wet meadow ditches
• Prevalence: The bay willow is common in most of the country, but it is rare in Lapland
• Economic significance: The bay willow is used as energy wood and as raw material for weaving work
• Impact of climate change: The bay willow benefits from climate change and consequently increases

More information and images of the bay willow.

• Characteristics: The grey alder can grow 15–20 meters high; sometimes it may also grow as a shrub. Its leaves are oval. The leaf is green on top and grayish underneath.
• Tree group: The grey alder is a deciduous tree.
• Habitat: The grey alder grows in a variety of habitats, such as shores, forest edges, and old pasture areas. It is also able to grow in drier areas.
• Prevalence: The grey alder is a fairly common tree in Finland; it is found in almost the entire country.
• Economic significance: Musical instruments, various joinery products, and interior panels are manufactured from grey alder. It is also used to make furniture and sauna benches.
• Significance in nature: Alders shed their leaves while they are still green. They can afford to do so because their root nodules contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria that bind atmospheric nitrogen. Alder leaves falling green are an excellent nitrogen fertilizer for the soil.
• Impact of climate change: Increased rainfall and the increasing prevalence of forest fires may weaken the state of forests, although as a deciduous tree, the grey alder itself is likely to benefit from global warming.

More information and images of the grey alder.

• Characteristics: In an open area, it can grow 15 m high and about 10 m wide; the leaf has 5–7 leaflets; white inflorescence; blooms in early June; the horse chestnut also has a fruit with a prickly shell.
• Origin: Native to the Balkans; does not tolerate hot summers very well.
• Tree group: Deciduous tree, soapberry family.
• Habitat: Sunny and sheltered habitat, nutrient-rich soil.
• Prevalence: In Finland, mainly as a garden and park plant.
• Economic significance: No major economic significance; yellow and brown dye can be made from the wood material.
• Impact of climate change: As a deciduous tree, the horse chestnut could be expected to benefit from global warming.

More information and images of the horse chestnut.

The story of the horse chestnut donor

Tarja Tuulia Metsälä donated a horse chestnut to Iittala’s future arboretum. Here are her greetings:

“Horse chestnut, a tree of resilience and love. Two families whose roots are deep in the history of Kalvola: Hakala and Suominen. My grandparents Siiri and Väinö Hakala; Grandpa Väinö worked at the Iittala Dairy as a machine operator. And my other grandparents Elsa and K. J. Suominen; Grandpa became a merchant at Skogster’s Iittala hardware store in 1926.

That was the beginning of a three-generation merchant career in Iittala. The families were united when the Hakalas’ son Jaakko started taking Swedish lessons from the Suominens’ daughter. The horse chestnut sapling was brought to my childhood home here in the center of the village 50 years ago from Grandma Hakala’s yard in Unostenmäki, and every spring it rewards us with hundreds of magnificent candle-like flowers and in the autumn with beautiful chestnuts. The tree so beautifully depicts those roots, continuity, and love that our family has as part of this village. It is wonderful to get a permanent memory of it in this way. And to top it all off, I noticed that I am a horse chestnut in the tree horoscope!”

• Characteristics: The downy birch is a common deciduous tree whose branches grow upwards and whose leaves are round in shape.
• Tree group: The downy birch belongs to the deciduous trees.
• Habitat: The downy birch grows well in moist places (fresh nutrient-rich forests, bogs, ditches, and roadsides).
• Prevalence: The downy birch is common in Finland; about 6% of tree species are downy birches.
• Economic significance: Downy birch is used in the plywood, construction, and board industries. It is also a common raw material in furniture and turning shops.
• Significance in nature: Autumnal moth caterpillars and gall mites eat its leaves. Many mammals eat its branches. These include moose, reindeer, mountain hare, European hare, and voles. The witch’s brooms often seen in downy birches are caused by the Taphrina betulina fungus and are harmless.
• Impact of climate change: Due to climate change, rainfall will increase, and this will improve the growth of downy birches.

More information and images of the downy birch.

The story of the downy birch donor

In the tree species draw, Lady Luck gave us a downy birch. The birch is a good fit because there have always been birches at our cottage shore. Thanks to our grandparents, we have been summer residents of Iittala since the 1960s. Iittala, the surrounding area, and the friends in the village have a place in our hearts; therefore, we want to participate and support the arboretum. The arboretum is a great idea!

Donors: Summer residents of Suviranta

Also known as silver willow.

• Characteristics: A fast-growing tree with a broad crown; the leaves are narrow, 6–10 cm long, and covered with blue-gray silky-shiny hair on both sides.
• Tree group: Willow family
• Habitat: The tree thrives in moist or wet soil near water bodies.
• Prevalence: For the most part, they are found in Southern Finland.
• Economic significance: No special significance.
• Impact of climate change: The growth of the white willow will decrease and its distribution will shrink as the climate warms.

More information and images of the silver willow.

• Characteristics: Grows into a tree up to 25 meters tall. The foliage of the elm rises upwards into a broad and dense crown. Its trunk is usually short, and the elm withstands storms well. Its leaves are smooth on top and hairy underneath.
• Tree group: Deciduous tree.
• Habitat: Thrives best in nutrient-rich and moist grove lands. Its habitats include lush stream banks and warm grove slopes.
• Prevalence: The elm lives in Central Europe; in Finland, it is quite rare; there are two species of elm.
• Economic significance: Elm is used for parquets, stairs, and furniture.
• Impact of climate change: As a deciduous tree, the elm benefits from global warming.

More information and images of the elm.

• Characteristics: The needle-like leaves of the Veitch’s silver fir are 10–25 mm long and 2 mm wide. They spread to the sides and upwards. On their underside, the needles are brilliant white. The cone is usually blunt-tipped.
• Tree group: Conifer.
• Habitat: Tolerates even strong shading and thrives well in the same habitats as the domestic spruce.
• Economic significance: Due to its beautiful conical growth habit and dense needles, the Veitch’s silver fir is one of our most decorative conifers; it is also sometimes used as a Christmas tree.

More information and images of the Veitch’s silver fir.

• Characteristics: The juniper is a 0.5–6 meter high shrub-like tree. The needles are blue-green, sharp-tipped, and there are usually 3 in the same whorl. The flowers are small and modest, yellowish, and dioecious.
• Tree group: The juniper belongs to the conifers.
• Habitat: The juniper usually grows on bright and open slopes, where it often grows in a columnar shape.
• Prevalence: In Finland, the juniper is a very common tree species.
• Economic significance of the tree species: Dishes and decorative items are manufactured from juniper. Juniper needles and wood are used in fish smoking to provide aroma, and juniper berries are used as a spice in drinks and game dishes.
• Impact of climate change: As a conifer, the juniper suffers from climate change.

More information and images of the juniper.

The story of the juniper donor

Ansa-Katariina Lönnholtz is one of the first tree lovers to join the founders of the arboretum. Here is her story related to the memories of her home yard:

“My maternal grandmother was the only one of my grandparents who was alive at the same time as me. The first thing you encountered when entering the house was a large and magnificent juniper. There were several others in the yard as well. My grandmother died when I was 6 years old, after which we moved into her house. While living there, for about 13 years, I walked past that magnificent juniper many times a day, admiring it.

The juniper is still in place today. One can only imagine all that it has seen during its life. The crimson king maple, on the other hand, was chosen because of its name. My surname, after all, means maple tree in Finnish. I originally tried to get a maple, but it had already been taken, so a crimson king maple was kindly suggested to me. It fit perfectly, also because of its magnificent coloring.

It is wonderful to be able to be involved in such a project in my own village, which increases knowledge of tree species and makes the center more beautiful.”

• Characteristics: The katsura is 400–600 cm tall, a rather small decorative tree, upright-branched and conical; leaves 3–7 cm long, opposite and relatively round; the color of the leaves is green in summer and orange/red in autumn; reddish flowers; a vanilla-like scent is released from the leaves as they fall.
• Tree group: Deciduous tree/decorative tree.
• Habitat: Fresh, nutrient-rich, and permeable soil, in sunny, sheltered, and semi-shaded places.
• Prevalence: In Finland, katsuras are seen most in Southern Finland, mainly as a decorative tree.
• Economic significance: Paper and detailed objects are manufactured; the tree usually has to be grown oneself.
• Significance in nature: Functions as a decorative tree; deer and roe deer may snack on the leaves.
• Impact of climate change: As a deciduous tree, the katsura is likely to benefit from climate change.

More information and images of the katsura.

The story of the katsura donor

Minna Takala joined the founders of the arboretum. Here Minna shares her thoughts on our joint project.

“The arboretum is a truly delightful community initiative! Trees and arboretums are of great interest, and a development project for the arboretums of Kanta-Häme is also currently underway, in whose steering group I am involved.

My family is from Iittala – my great-grandparents and grandparents are buried in the Kalvola cemetery. I myself lived and went to school in Iittala as a child. Nowadays we visit there often. An old katsura tree grows at the Hämeenlinna railway station. It has heart-shaped leaves and a beautiful yellow autumn color.

It would be great to have one in Iittala; it would serve as a reminder of love for one’s home region.”

• Characteristics: The cherry flowers are a beautiful pink; the berries are aromatically sweet in taste and yellow, red-yellow, or very dark red in color.
• Tree group: A deciduous tree belonging to the rose family.
• Habitat: Thrives best in a sunny location in nutrient-rich, lime-rich soil; in Finland, the trees have been planted mainly in parks and gardens.
• Economic significance: Juice can be made from the cherry berries, and the berries can be used as they are.
• Impact of climate change: As a deciduous tree, the cherry could be expected to benefit from climate change.

More information and images of the cherry.

Stories from the cherry donors

I wanted to be involved in the project because the decorative cherry tree I donated brings joy and beauty to Iittala.

Donor Reea Gussander

AND

101-year-old Aura Aumo joined the founders of the Iittala Arboretum by donating a tree to both the arboretum and the cherry park. Aura has lived in Iittala since ’48, when she moved here together with her husband, who worked as a forestry advisor in Kalvola. Trees have always been close to Aura’s heart, and a long-term dream has been a park in the Puupiha area. Years ago, while walking in the area, she thought that instead of building houses, a park should be established here, a place for villagers to exercise and refresh themselves. Aura’s dream is finally coming true with the arboretum.

Donor: Aura Aumo

• Characteristics: Pale green paired needles in coloring; the tree can be 30–40 meters high; the needles of the lodgepole pine are longer and greener than those of the normal Scots pine.
• Tree group: Conifer.
• Habitat: Sun to semi-shaded area, medium-nutrient habitat.
• Prevalence: In Finland, the tree thrives all the way to Northern Lapland. They were planted in an area of about 10,000 hectares, mainly in the 1970s.
• Economic significance: Used in the same way as the common pine.
• Significance in nature: The cone is food for animals.
• Impact of climate change: As a conifer, the lodgepole pine suffers from climate change.

More information and images of the lodgepole pine.

• Characteristics: Pink flowers cover the tree almost completely; the accolade cherry also has a beautiful orange-yellow autumn color.
• Tree group: Deciduous tree.
• The accolade cherry is planted mainly as a park and garden tree.

• Characteristics: The Korean fir grows 15–20 meters high and 5–7 meters wide. When young, the tree’s trunk is smooth, and when old, it is deeply furrowed. The sturdy needle-like leaves of the Korean fir are 10–20 mm long and 2–2.5 mm wide. The needles spread to the sides and upwards, usually slightly tongue-shaped.
• Tree group: Conifer
• Habitat: The Korean fir thrives best in a semi-shaded habitat, in fresh, nutrient-rich, and well-drained soil
• Prevalence: In Finland, the Korean fir is a decorative tree
• Economic significance: No significant economic benefit
• Significance in nature: The Korean fir plays a major role in nature. It is a hardy and decorative conifer that provides shelter and a habitat for many animals. In addition, its needles help prevent soil erosion.
• Impact of climate change: The Korean fir suffers from global warming.

More information and images of the Korean fir.

The story of the Korean fir donor

When I heard about the arboretum, its location, the idea, and the connection to Sauvola School, I thought of my grandparents Väinö and Saara (née Leipälä) Salmi and my mother’s childhood family. Väinö served as a teacher at Sauvola School for decades and, alongside his work and even in retirement, held several positions of trust for the benefit of the people of Kalvola. To my knowledge, he was known as a strict but fair and encouraging teacher who, among other things, went to talk to parents in favor of going to secondary school when he saw opportunities for it. The family of six children lived at Sauvola School, at one end of the building in the picture; the classrooms, upper and lower school, were at the other end. The school was located approximately where the current daycare center is. Many stories from my mother and her siblings are set on that school hill and in the neighborhood. They told of the lives of children and young people in Iittala in the 1920s–40s. Everyone knew everyone, sports were played, baseball was played, we swam at the municipal beach, etc. Life was communal, as they say nowadays. In the late 40s, after Väinö retired, the Salmis moved to the village of Keikkala, to Lepola in the shade of the lindens. A tall fir grew on the hill then, and still grows there today. In its sturdiness, it reminds me of my grandfather, his family, and his life’s work, in whose memory I want to donate the fir. May the fir grow tall and strong among the other trees and bring joy and security to the village.

Donor Anna-Kaisa Halme

• Characteristics: Often a multi-trunked and round-crowned tree. The rowan grows to 4–12 meters. It grows quickly and lives to about 20 years. The rowan bursts into large, fragrant flowers in early June. It has red berries that ripen in the autumn. It is distinguished from other rowans by its narrow-leafleted, odd-pinnate leaves. In the autumn, the rowan leaves take on autumn colors of yellow-red, bright red, dark red, and even almost black, depending on the weather.
• Tree group: The rowan belongs to the deciduous trees and the rose family
• Habitat: The rowan is modest regarding its habitat. It is found on both barren and lush lands. When planting a rowan, one should choose as bright and open a habitat as possible.
• Prevalence: The rowan is a common tree species in Finland
• Economic significance: The rowan does not have much economic significance today.
• Impact of climate change: Climate change is not expected to significantly affect the distribution of the rowan.

More information and images of the rowan.

• Characteristics: The spruce is a year-round green conical conifer that is 20–30 m high. Spruce needles are sharp-tipped, angular, and individual.
• Tree group: The spruce belongs to the conifers along with the pine and the juniper.
• Habitat: The habitat of the spruce is a nutrient-rich and fresh heath forest or grove.
• Prevalence: The spruce is a very common tree species in Finland.
• Economic significance: Spruce is used in furniture, doors, plywood, musical instruments, and paper. Spruce is a construction wood.
• Significance in nature: Cones are food for squirrels.
• Impact of climate change on distribution: Due to climate change, spruces are spreading further north, causing their growth conditions to change.

More information and images of the spruce.

Stories from the spruce donors

MHY Kanta-Häme donated a spruce to the Iittala Arboretum. Lauri Halonen, Account and Sales Manager, explains why it is important to establish the arboretum.

“The old municipality of Kalvola is a forested municipality, and the importance of forestry is already indicated by the axes in the Kalvola coat of arms. MHY thus has long traditions in Kalvola, and in the future as well, Kalvola will be a core area for MHY Kanta-Häme. MHY Kanta-Häme offers forest owners comprehensive forestry and forest nature management services. And MHY Kanta-Häme is always on the forest owner’s side, helping, for example, in matters related to timber trade. MHY Kanta-Häme considers it important that both primary school students and other people get to see the benefits brought by forestry to society. Furthermore, MHY Kanta-Häme wants to increase forest knowledge among primary school students. That is why MHY Kanta-Häme wants a namesake spruce in the arboretum to be established in Iittala. Thus, people visiting the arboretum would always remember the Forest Management Association as the forest owners’ own association.”

AND

Finns have secured their country’s independent position among nations. An independent Finland has not been a given. In the Winter War, 26,600 Finns fell; in the Continuation War, 66,200; in the Lapland War, 774 Finnish soldiers fell, with total losses of 95,500 fallen. In Kalvola, 130 fell between 1939 and 1945. In the Winter War, 45 fell, and in the Continuation War, 85 people from Kalvola fell; the population of Kalvola at that time was 3,916. The spruce has in several ways been a protective tree due to its quality and the shape of its foliage. For the war veteran generation, the oak leaf generation, as we call it today, the unspoken memories conveyed by the home spruce have been important. In the war, spruce wood was commonly used as construction wood for dugouts, as walls for trenches, as shelters, and in various coverings to prevent visibility, providing the land with sturdiness against wind and cold. As garlands and decorations for celebrations, as funeral trees, as decorative foliage on the edges of graves, in wreaths and as branches lining the journey, and generally as a creator of atmosphere. “No other honor than to hear from one’s mound the whispering of your spruces, when you have hidden him in his final rest” (OI kallis Suomen maa.. lyrics and music by Heikki Klemetti)

Donors:

Hämeenlinnan Seudun Sotaveteraanit ry
Kalvolan Sotaveteraanikerho, Chairman
Tammenlehvän Hämeenlinnan seudun Perinneyhdistys ry

• Characteristics: The fly honeysuckle is shrub-like and 1–2 meters long. The fly honeysuckle blooms in May–June. The scent of the flowers is charming. The leaves of the fly honeysuckle are about 5 cm long. The berries of the fly honeysuckle are red and shiny, as well as poisonous.
• Tree group: The fly honeysuckle is a noble deciduous tree.
• Habitat: Even modest habitats are suitable for the fly honeysuckle; fresh nutrient-rich soil; the amount of light may also vary.
• Prevalence: Common in Southern and Central Finland; rare further north; there are no fly honeysuckles in Lapland.
• Economic significance of the tree species: Fly honeysuckle flowers can be used for tea, headaches, urinary problems, skin care, and diabetes.
• Significance of the tree species in nature: Pollinators pollinate the flowers and get nectar from them; small mammals may also eat fly honeysuckle
• Impact of climate change: Due to global warming, the fly honeysuckle has also spread to northern Finland, meaning it benefits from climate change.

More information and images of the fly honeysuckle.

• Characteristics: The European white elm is usually 10–20 meters high; its trunk is gray-brown, mainly upward-sloping and crooked. In an open area, it grows a broad hemispherical crown.
• Tree group: The European white elm is a deciduous tree.
• Habitat: Lush shore areas, moist groves.
• Economic significance: No major economic significance
• Impact of climate change: As a deciduous tree, the European white elm benefits from global warming.
• Prevalence: The European white elm is endangered but protected in mainland Finland. There are about 11,000 of them, which is about 85% of Finland’s elms.

More information and images of the European white elm.

The story of the European white elm donor

We received a European white elm as a donation from Tuija to enrich the arboretum. “In my opinion, a great project and a place of learning for schoolchildren! I myself was born in Iittala, and nowadays I am a cottage resident in my childhood home. I like to bring guests and my children’s families to the village, and the arboretum will be a great place to visit, especially because my own tree grows there.

I chose the European white elm because it is a protected and thus quite rare tree species in Finland, whose most stable growth area is on the shores of Vanajavesi, mainly in Valkeakoski and its neighboring municipalities. It’s great to learn to identify such a tree species live in our park.”

• Characteristics: The larch can grow up to 40 meters high in Finland. The crown is narrow and conical. In young trees, the bark is smooth.
• Tree groups: The larch belongs to the conifers.
• Habitat: The larch grows well in fresh and nutrient-rich forest lands.
• Prevalence: In Finland, the larch does not grow naturally, but it thrives well when planted.
• Economic significance: Floorboards as well as wallboards are made from larch.
• Impact of climate change: As a conifer, the larch is likely to suffer from climate change.

• Characteristics: The trunk of the lime is dark, in young trees even black. The leaves are heart-shaped, large, and serrated. The buds are dark and plump. The tree can grow up to 30 meters high.
• Tree group: The small-leaved lime is a noble deciduous tree.
• Habitat: The small-leaved lime grows most in the interior and slightly on the southern coast. It is the northernmost noble deciduous tree. The small-leaved lime thrives in groves, on riverbanks, at the foot of cliffs, on eskers, and on heaths.
• Prevalence: The small-leaved lime is not as common in Finland as elsewhere in Europe, but it is Finland’s most common noble deciduous tree.
• Economic significance: Small-leaved lime is used, for example, for sculptures and picture frames. Bast, which is a fiber that can be used, for example, in the manufacture of ropes and nets, is obtained from small-leaved limes. Small-leaved lime is also used in the paper, turning, and musical instrument industries.
• Significance in nature: Insects, especially bees, like the sweet flowers of the small-leaved lime.
• Impact of climate change: The small-leaved lime, which is the northernmost growing noble deciduous tree, may be able to grow even further north. The small-leaved lime also withstands more polluted air, so climate change should not affect it immediately.

More information and images of the small-leaved lime.

The story of the small-leaved lime donor

94-year-old Pirkko Huovilainen joined the founders of the arboretum. The small-leaved lime, or bast tree, has a very special meaning for Pirkko:

“I sat with my friends on our porch and we enjoyed the greenery around us. The maples, oak, Pirkkala birch, lime, and old apple trees are in their full leaf cover. I told them about the lime that was once felled when it shaded the new apple tree too much. A new sapling started from the stump sprout, and now it is as large again as it was 50 years ago. I asked if they knew the other name for the lime; no one knew! I was surprised and answered: it’s the bast tree!! Perhaps older locals would know it, or at least my peers, those over 90 years old, for the bast tree was an important fiber tree in its time. When its branches and trunk pieces are soaked in water for 6–7 weeks in the spring, long, tough bast fibers can be pulled from it for different purposes. I myself saw as a child in one home beautiful long light-colored summer rugs woven in looms on the chamber floor. Ropes, ties, sacks, etc., have also been made from it. The fuel value of lime is not high, but it has been used in the match and paper industries as well. One more important thing: the fragrant flowers of the lime are the best nectar sources for bees! In Iittala, there are many limes as park trees, for example, along Iittalantie, but that is a different species. In the old part of the cemetery, there are magnificent, very old limes. As far as I know, there have been small-leaved limes all over Kalvola; after all, we have surnames here like Niinistö, Niinimäki, and elsewhere Niinisalo, Niinivaara, etc. The small-leaved lime is thus quite common throughout Finland, except for the north.”

• Characteristics: A thorny-branched tree, height 3–8 m. The flowers are large, white or pink, round-tipped, and 3–5 cm long.
• Tree group: Deciduous tree
• Habitat: Dry or relatively dry, stony grove slopes, grove rocks, shore groves, thickets, and grove meadows.
• Prevalence: The species is found in the wild only in Åland, Southwest Finland, and very rarely in the coastal area of Uusimaa.
• Economic significance: The wood material is very strong and has been used for the manufacture of utility items. In the archipelago, at least the rowlocks of rowing boats have been made from apple trees. Bark-yellow dye has been used for dyeing.
• Significance in nature: Birds and many mammals eat the fruit of the wild apple tree.
• Impact of climate change: As a deciduous tree, the wild apple tree benefits from global warming.

More information and images of the wild apple tree.

• Characteristics: The pine is a 15–30 m high evergreen tree. The pine is a broad-crowned tree whose needles are stiff and 2–5 cm long.
• Tree group: The pine belongs to the conifers.
• Habitat: The pine thrives in fresh and dry heath forests. It is a light-demanding plant but does not need many nutrients.
• Prevalence: Finland’s most common tree species.
• Economic significance: Pine buds and needles work well in fresh salads and on bread. It is also used in the paper industry, construction, and furniture.
• Significance in nature: Moose eat young pine saplings, and its needles are eaten by many pest larvae.
• Impact of climate change: The pine grows faster, but the distribution limit moves further north.

More information and images of the pine.

The story of the pine donor

The pine was donated by Juha Heinilä. Here are greetings from Juha:

“It is important to cherish Finnish tree species because climate change causes changes in them as well. The pine is an important tree for me because they grow around our summer villa, which was built by my grandmother’s father. His father moved to Iittala in 1871, where I have spent all my summers since 1952.”

• Characteristics: The black spruce usually grows 9–15 meters high. In diameter at breast height, the black spruce grows 15–25 centimeters thick.
• Tree group: The black spruce is a conifer belonging to the genus Picea
• Habitat: The black spruce thrives in fresh or sandy, even peat-containing soil. The black spruce is slow-growing and long-lived.
• Prevalence: The black spruce is native to a wide area in the northern parts of North America. In Finland, the black spruce is slow-growing and short-lived.
• Economic significance: Black spruce can be used in the same way as the Norway spruce.
• Impact: As a conifer, the black spruce is likely to suffer from global warming.

More information and images of the black spruce.

The story of the black spruce donors

The Puupiha arboretum is a long-lasting addition to Iittala, and in our opinion, it beautifully highlights the village’s community spirit – and perhaps a bit of history based on aesthetics too.

A growing tree has always symbolized permanence and tranquility, and it was clear that we wanted to support the realization of the park with our own namesake tree. It’s nice to think that now, when walking with the dogs, one can always stop by to see the progress of the park’s seasons and growth.

Donors Milla Hietaharju and Jani Rosti

• Characteristics: The alder buckthorn is characterized by side branches growing almost horizontally. The shiny leaves are located alternately on the branches; they are entire at the edges and slightly wavy. Small yellowish-green, star-like flowers form in the leaf axils, and they can be seen on the trees from June until September.
• Tree group: The alder buckthorn belongs to the buckthorn family and the deciduous trees.
• Habitat: Grows in nutrient-rich and moist habitats, such as spruce mires, the edges of bogs, and along streams.
• Prevalence: The alder buckthorn is quite common in Southern and Central Finland.
• Economic significance: No major economic significance.
• Significance in nature: No major significance, but of course it produces oxygen.
• Impact of climate change: As a deciduous tree, the alder buckthorn is likely to benefit from global warming.

More information and images of the alder buckthorn.

• Characteristics: The leaves are pinnate, 6–8-paired; leaflets are oval, sharply serrated, almost hairless on top, hairy underneath. The autumn coloring is purplish-red. The tree is often multi-trunked, 4–11 meters high.
• Tree group: The rowan belongs to the deciduous trees.
• Habitat: Groves, grove-like fresh and relatively dry heath forests, forest edges, lush spruce mires, shores, rocky slopes, and meadow hills.
• Prevalence: The rowan is a common yard tree.
• Economic significance: Often the rowan is thought to be a waste tree, but it can be used for buildings where flexible and well-polishing wood is needed; in the past, utility items such as leaf rakes were also made from it.
• Significance in nature: Rowan berries are food for many birds.
• Impact of climate change: As a deciduous tree, the rowan is likely to benefit from climate change.

More information and images of the rowan.

The story of the rowan donor

Anne Laatikainen joined the founders of the arboretum. Anne is, of course, closely involved in the project through her own work as well.

Here are Anne’s greetings to the villagers: “The Iittala Arboretum is a great example of community spirit and working together. Iittala Comprehensive School has been my workplace for over thirteen years. As the Principal, I also want to be personally involved in this project. The arboretum will bring joy to everyone living and working in Iittala. I chose the Rowan for the park. It is my favorite tree and it has inspired many songwriters. The rowan is also a sacred tree of the ancient Finns.”

• Characteristics: The Siberian fir is a large tree resembling a spruce, whose trunk is gray and smooth, buds are resinous and fragrant, and needles are flat, spreading to the side, and have two light stomatal bands underneath; height 10–23 m
• Tree group: Conifer.
• Habitat: Used mainly as a decorative and cultivated plant in gardens and parks.
• Economic significance: Due to its limited distribution, the Siberian fir does not have any major economic significance.
• Significance in nature: The seeds of the cones are food for many animals, for example, squirrels.
• Impact of climate change: As a conifer, the Siberian fir is likely to suffer from climate change.

More information and images of the Siberian fir.

• Characteristics: In addition to the abundant white flowering in June resembling a “fair-weather cloud,” the tree has a magnificent red or yellow autumn color and a decorative reddish-brown trunk; berries are small and red; a beautiful small tree.
• Tree group: Deciduous tree.
• Habitat: The pin cherry thrives best in a sunny and semi-shaded place; the growing medium should be well-water-retaining humus soil
• Economic significance: The pin cherry is planted mainly for decorative use.

More information and images of the pin cherry.

• Characteristics: The tree’s leaf is entire-edged and graceful; the trunk is narrow; it grows about 10–20 meters high; a variation of the silver birch.
• Tree group: Deciduous tree.
• Habitat: Sunny, medium-nutrient, and the growing medium is dry-fresh.
• Prevalence: A rare tree species, a variation of the silver birch.
• There is hardly any economic significance.
• Significance in nature: There is hardly any; used mainly as a decorative plant.
• Impact of climate change: Benefits as a deciduous tree from global warming.

The story of the Pirkkala birch donors

The Kotovainios joined the founders of the arboretum by donating a Pirkkala birch to the park. “Our mother Kaija Kotovainio, née Rajala, was born in Iittala as the youngest child of mason Otto Rajala and Alina Rajala, née Raudanmaa. The family was large and kept in close contact. We grandchildren spent a lot of time at Grandma’s in Vastamäki. The family still keeps in touch, and Iittala is a beloved childhood landscape for all of us cousins. Mother is the last living child of Otto and Alina, and with our mother, we want to cherish the landscapes of her birth and childhood and be involved in this great project. Our choice of tree is Finland’s national tree, the birch, and in honor of our current home province, the Pirkkala birch.” Greetings: Kaija

Kotovainio, Annu Lehtonen, née Kotovainio; Taina Kotovainio

• Characteristics: The crown is conical, broad, and dense-growing; the leaves are heart-shaped, broad, and serrated; blooms in July.
• Tree group: Deciduous tree.
• Habitat: They are usually planted in cities as park trees
• Prevalence: Thus common in cities.
• Economic significance: The bast obtained from the small-leaved lime was previously a valuable trade commodity, from which, among other things, ropes and rugs were manufactured; the wood material is soft, so it is well-suited for whittling and carving work; a calming, fragrant, and good-tasting tea can be prepared from the flowers.
• Significance in nature: The small-leaved lime is a good bee plant.
• Impacts of climate change: as a deciduous tree, it is likely to benefit from global warming.

More information and images of the common lime.

• Characteristics: The purple birch is a shorter, red-leaved form of the downy birch. The leaves of the tree remain a striking dark red throughout the growing season. The branches are narrow and upright. The smooth, black-and-white trunk creates a fine contrast with the deep red leaves. This unusual and beautiful tree is very winter-hardy.
• Tree group: Deciduous tree.
• Habitat: The purple birch thrives in sunny locations. It prefers soil with moderate nutrient levels but is otherwise relatively undemanding regarding its growing medium.
• Economic significance: The first red-leaved birch was discovered in Ylikiiminki, North Ostrobothnia, in the 1970s by a local biology student. The red-leaved birch does not reproduce naturally. It is therefore used as an accent plant, either individually or in small groups, even in smaller yards and parks.

More information and images of the purple birch.

• Characteristics: The beautifully shaped and broad-growing red ash resembles the European ash, but it is smaller in both its growth habit and foliage; the leaf consists of 2–3 pairs of leaflets, the autumn color is yellow, and the trunk is reddish-brown.
• Tree group: Deciduous tree.
• Habitat: The red ash has adapted well to various growing environments. It is undemanding regarding soil and tolerates flooding and shading moderately well. It thrives best in nutrient-rich, moist soil that is well-draining and contains clay.
• Economic significance: As an easy-to-maintain, dense, and fast-growing tree, the red ash is popular not only as an ornamental tree but also as a landscaping plant in green construction.

More information and images of the red ash.

• Characteristics: The red oak is a handsome, fast-growing tree with a large crown. It has green, hard-surfaced leaves that are larger than those of the common oak, with sharp-pointed lobes. The acorns that ripen in autumn attract squirrels for feeding. In a favorable autumn, the tree glows with bright red autumn colors.
• Tree group: A deciduous tree belonging to the oak genus.
• Habitat: The red oak thrives in sunny locations in fresh and nutrient-rich soil.
• Economic significance: In Finland, the red oak is planted as a yard and park tree in the southern parts of the country.

More information and images of the red oak.

• Characteristics: The red maple is named after its bright red flowers and autumn color. The leaves are also reddish when they open, with silver or blue-grey undersides; similarly, the annual shoots have red bark.
• Tree group: A deciduous tree belonging to the maple genus.
• Habitat: The red maple thrives well in many types of soil and varying climatic conditions. However, the species does not tolerate extremely dry areas.
• Economic significance: Due to its bright autumn coloring, the red maple is widely used as an ornamental tree, especially as a park tree. Several cultivars have been developed for ornamental use. The wood is also used for construction and furniture manufacturing. However, its timber is considered to be of lower quality than that of several other maple species. Maple syrup can also be produced from its sap.

More information and images of the red maple.

• Characteristics: The leaves are reddish and the flowers are pink.
• Tree group: Deciduous tree.
• Habitat: Sunny or semi-shaded location.
• Prevalence: Used mainly as an ornamental tree.
• Economic significance: No major economic significance.
• Significance in nature: Grown as an ornamental tree in yards and parks.
• Impact of climate change: As a deciduous tree, it is likely to benefit from climate change.

The story of the purple bird cherry donor

Since its founding, MLL Kalvola has been dedicated to the children and youth of Kalvola and involved in village events. The arboretum fits our ideology very well. Just like a tree sapling, our children begin to take root as part of this village community. May they take firm root in their own soil. We chose the beautifully flowering purple bird cherry; may the whole village grow this sapling together.

Fly, ladybug,
to the base of the big stone,
fly across the flower meadow
to the great bird cherry tree.
The dream bird sings,
the bird cherry cluster scents.
Sleeping in its red shirt
is the little ladybug.

Donor: MLL Kalvola Association

• Characteristics: 6–14 meters tall, shrub/tree-like, leaves are 5–12 cm long and 3–8 cm wide.
• Tree group: The goat willow belongs to the willows.
• Habitat: Grove-like and fresh heath forests, shores, roadsides, and ditches.
• Prevalence: The goat willow is common and found almost everywhere in Finland.
• Economic significance: The goat willow has been used for fence stakes and firewood.
• Significance of the species in nature: The goat willow is an important species for butterflies; 190 species use it for food. It is also a good food source for many other insects and beetles, such as the longhorn beetle.
• Impact of climate change: The goat willow has not experienced a significant change in distribution so far.

More information and images of the goat willow.

The story of the goat willow donors

Friends from Iittala, Outi and Sari, joined the founders of the arboretum. Read how the knowledge of a newcomer from the capital region and an original resident met, leading to the selection of the goat willow.

“We, Outi Nurmi and Sari Salas, became friends while working together at the Peukaloinen Daycare Center in Iittala. Sari had moved from the capital region to the countryside in Pirttikoski, and Outi is a true local from Kalvola. A similar sense of humor and a love for animals and nature unite us as friends. Additionally, we are easily inspired by creative projects and working with our hands. We chose the goat willow as our tree. Its trunk is smooth and gray when young, but with age, its bark cracks longitudinally into stripes. Wrinkles and gray hairs have come to us too with age, and life has left its own stripes on us. It is nicer to live with them when you have a friend by your side. For us, this tree will be the tree of friendship.”

• Characteristics: A single-trunked tree, 8–25 m tall, trunk smooth, branches directed sideways or upwards, and leaves are single-serrated, triangular, and long-pointed. The bark is usually yellowish.
• Tree group: Deciduous tree.
• Habitat: Medium or nutrient-rich growing sites.
• Prevalence: Common throughout the country except in Lapland.
• Economic significance: The tree provides construction material, such as boards and plywood, firewood, Midsummer whisks, and birch bark items.
• Significance in nature: Over 500 animals find food from silver birches.
• Impacts of climate change: As a deciduous tree, the silver birch benefits from climate change.

More information and images of the silver birch.

The story of the silver birch donors

The first tree in the Puupiha arboretum, our national tree, the silver birch, was donated by Milla and Jani:

“The Puupiha arboretum is a long-lasting addition to Iittala and, in our opinion, beautifully highlights the village’s sense of community – and perhaps a bit of its history rooted in aesthetics. A growing tree has always symbolized permanence and tranquility, and it was clear that we wanted to support the realization of the park with our own namesake tree. It is nice to think that now, while walking with the dogs, one can always stop by to see the progress of the park’s seasons and growth.”

AND

“This is indeed a wonderful and unique project taking place in our own village! It is great that as an entrepreneur, I can contribute to a common cause. Furthermore, I encourage other entrepreneurs and companies to join in and help enliven our village.”

Donor: Tero Nyqvist, Huoltopalvelu Nyqvist Oy

• Characteristics: The Swedish whitebeam grows to a maximum of 10–15 meters; it differs from other rowans based on the shape of its leaves. The berries of the Swedish whitebeam are oval and reddish-brown.
• Tree group: Deciduous trees.
• Habitats: It grows mainly in Sweden, but in Finland, it is found in Åland and the southwestern archipelago; however, there are scattered occurrences of Swedish whitebeam elsewhere in Finland.
• Prevalence: The Swedish whitebeam is quite rare; it is at risk of disappearing from Finland entirely.
• Economic significance: Juice can be made from the berries of the Swedish whitebeam; it is a highly sought-after wood in the carpentry industry, and the Swedish whitebeam is also very suitable as a park tree.
• Impact of climate change: As a deciduous tree, the Swedish whitebeam is likely to benefit from global warming.

More information and images of the Swedish whitebeam.

The story of the Swedish whitebeam donor

101-year-old Aura Aumo joined the founders of the Iittala arboretum by donating a tree to both the arboretum and the cherry tree park. Aura has lived in Iittala since 1948, when she moved here with her husband, who served as a forestry advisor in Kalvola. Trees have always been close to Aura’s heart, and a long-term dream has been to have a park in the Puupiha area. While walking in the area years ago, she thought that instead of building houses, a park should be established here—a place for villagers to exercise and refresh themselves. With the arboretum, Aura’s dream is finally coming true.

Donor: Aura Aumo

• Characteristics: The bark of the Sargent’s cherry is shiny chestnut brown with light horizontal stripes; it blooms spectacularly with rose-pink flowers before the leaves emerge.
• Tree group: A deciduous tree belonging to the rose family.
• Habitat: Thrives best in a sunny location in nutrient-rich, lime-rich soil; in Finland, the trees have been planted mainly in parks and gardens.
• Economic significance: Sargent’s cherry has no major economic significance.
• Impact of climate change: As a deciduous tree, Sargent’s cherry could be expected to benefit from climate change.

More information and images of the Sargent’s cherry.

• Characteristics: Height 15–25 m, leaf has 4–7 pairs, leaflets 3–10 cm long, oval, serrated, tap-rooted, trunk is gray, upright-branched, crown broad.
• Tree group: Noble hardwood.
• Habitat: Deep-soiled and moist ground, sunny location.
• Prevalence: It grows more abundantly only in Åland and the Turku archipelago, and is rarer elsewhere.
• Economic significance of the species: Ash is used to make sports equipment, carriages, boxes, furniture, and even aircraft parts.
• Significance of the species in nature: The ash is a good pollinator tree.
• Impact of climate change: As a deciduous tree, the ash benefits from global warming.

More information and images of the ash.

The stories of the ash donors

Arto Vilkki joined the founders of the Iittala arboretum by donating an ash tree. Here are Arto’s greetings: “Have a great summer to the community! I encourage everyone to join this wonderful park project.”

Sirpa-Liisa is a seasonal resident of Iittala and became a founder of the arboretum by donating an ash tree. “It is great that the center of Iittala is being enlivened with both a skate park and the arboretum coming near it. I lived my childhood and youth in Iittala, and as a current seasonal resident, it is nice to participate in the construction of the arboretum by planting my own tree (ash). A nice place to visit for both current and future generations.”

• Characteristics: The box elder grows 6–20 meters tall. Its bark is yellowish or grayish-brown, and the crown is broad and shrub-like. It is extremely fast-growing during its first 15–20 years, but after this, the growth rate slows down significantly. In Finland, the average lifespan of a box elder is only 50 years.
• Tree group: A deciduous tree belonging to the maple genus.
• Habitat: The box elder thrives well in many types of habitats. It tolerates moisture and floods but also withstands drought better than most other maples. It succeeds in both open and shaded locations but grows best in a sunny, open spot.
• Economic significance: As a fast-growing species, the box elder is suitable for locations where greenery or shelter for slower-growing tree species is desired quickly.

More information and images of the box elder.

• Characteristics: A 6–20 meter tree, leaves are shiny and dark green/blue-green on top. The leaves are long in shape and have long petioles.
• Tree group: Belongs to deciduous trees and willows.
• Habitat: Mainly as an ornamental tree in yards, sometimes a cultivation relic or escapee in old villages and former residential sites.
• Prevalence: Popular as an ornamental tree in Finland, so it is quite common.
• Economic significance: There is no economic significance.
• Significance in nature: There is also no very great significance in nature, as the tree is not a species belonging to the original Finnish flora and it spreads mainly as an escapee.
• Impact of climate change: Likely to benefit from climate change as a deciduous tree.

More information and images of the crack willow.

The story of the crack willow donor

Henna Lintusaari joined the founders of the arboretum. Here is Henna’s lovely memory: “Having spent my childhood summers in Kalvola, the road from the church to the library, the shop, or Lasimäki was cycled many, many times with my cousins. Occasionally, we would stop somewhere along the way: perhaps at a playground or a ball field. The Iittala arboretum sounds like a perfect stopping point on that journey. Perhaps in the future, I will take the bikes with my children and travel from Tampere by local train to Iittala, and from there continue on the familiar bike trip, stopping along the way in the shade of ‘our’ crack willow to eat ice cream.”

• Characteristics: 10–18 meters tall and about 4–6 meters wide.
• Tree group: Conifer.
• Habitat: The Swiss pine thrives in sunny or semi-shaded locations.
• Prevalence: The Swiss pine succeeds as far as Northern Finland.
• Economic significance: The Swiss pine has been used as firewood, and its seeds are used as food.
• Significance in nature: The seeds are food for many birds.
• Impacts of climate change: As a conifer, the Swiss pine is likely to suffer from climate change.

More information and images of the Swiss pine.

• Characteristics: Usually grows 15–25 meters tall. Its branches are short, the crown is narrow and dark green. The trunk color is gray. The needles are 12–25 mm long.
• Tree group: Conifer.
• Habitat: The Siberian fir grows best in semi-shaded or shaded locations. It thrives best in fresh and nutrient-rich soil.
• Prevalence: The Siberian fir grows most commonly in Southern Finland in nutrient-rich coniferous forests as a mixed or dominant tree.
• Economic significance: The wood can be used in the production of paper and pulp. It cannot be used well as sawn timber because it is quite brittle.
• Significance in nature: No major significance.
• Impact of climate change: As a conifer, the Siberian fir is likely to suffer from global warming.

More information and images of the Siberian fir.

• Characteristics: The sugar maple grows on average 20–35 meters tall. It has a straight trunk and a dense crown. The trunk is covered in light gray bark. The leaf is divided into five or three lobes. The small greenish-yellow flowers of the sugar maple bloom before the leaves.
• Tree group: The sugar maple belongs to deciduous trees.
• Habitat: The sugar maple thrives in moist and deep sandy soil. It grows well in lowlands and highlands. The sugar maple thrives best in a cool and moist climate.
• Prevalence: A rare ornamental plant in Finland.
• Economic significance: The sap of the sugar maple is used to make maple syrup. The wood can be used to make floorboards, boxes, interior panels, musical instruments, and plywood.
• Impact of climate change: As a deciduous tree, the sugar maple is likely to benefit from climate change.

More information and images of the sugar maple.

The story of the sugar maple donors

Iittala is a good place to live and stay. The Levomäki-Kovaleva family has found a home here and joined the founders of the arboretum. “We are participating in the Iittala arboretum by purchasing a sugar maple. Maple syrup is one of our family’s favorites in cooking and seasoning. We have lived in Iittala since 2015. We fell in love with the Iittala milieu. It is good to be here; all the most important services are available, the school is also very good, and the residents of Iittala are nice and helpful. Iittala has become home. Let’s take good care of our village and develop it together! The Levomäki-Kovaleva family.”

• Characteristics: The Finnish whitebeam grows into a tree of at most 10–15 meters. In shape, it resembles the Swedish whitebeam, from which it can be distinguished by its leaves. The Finnish whitebeam blooms around Midsummer. The inflorescence is pale yellow or entirely white.
• Tree group: Deciduous trees.
• Habitat: Regarding its growing site, the species is undemanding, but it prefers to grow on a bright, dry slope.
• Prevalence: In Finland, the Finnish whitebeam grows mainly on the coast and in Åland.
• Economic significance: Juice is made from the berries of the Finnish whitebeam; it is a sought-after wood in the carpentry industry because it is hard and light-colored.
• Significance in nature: The berries are food for many birds.
• Impact of climate change: As a deciduous tree, the Finnish whitebeam is likely to benefit from climate change.

More information and images of the Finnish whitebeam.

• Characteristics: The weeping spruce is a special form of the Norway spruce (P. abies), very narrow-growing, with delicate, long, and drooping branches; the best Finnish specimens are extremely narrow pillars where the dense needles of the branches growing along the trunk almost completely hide the trunk from view.
• Tree group: Conifer.
• Habitat: Like the Norway spruce, the weeping spruce also succeeds in shadier spots. However, the growth habit is most beautiful in a sunny but not dry location. The tree thrives in a medium-nutrient and acidic habitat.
• Economic significance: The weeping spruce is also found in occurrences of several trees. A natural occurrence of over 30 trees has been found in Mäntsälä. The weeping spruce is of particular interest to forest tree breeders and has also been planted to some extent in commercial forests.

More information and images of different spruce species.

• Characteristics: The trunk color of the common oak is dark brown, the crown is dome-shaped, the leaf buds are small, and the leaves widen from the base to the tip; in Finland, the common oak grows to a height of 10–20 meters.
• Tree group: The oak belongs to the noble hardwoods.
• Habitat: The oak prefers to grow in a bright, sunny, fresh, nutrient-rich forest where there is plenty of space.
• Prevalence: In Finland, the oak grows in small numbers; it was more common in the past.
• Economic significance: Oak is used in furniture as well as for parquet and as an ornamental tree.
• Significance in nature: Squirrels, nutcrackers, wood mice, and many other animals eat acorns.
• Impact of climate change: The oak benefits from climate change.

More information and images of the oak.

The stories of the oak donors

Seppo Mäenluoma joined the founders of the arboretum. Read Seppo’s story about the oak, diving into the history of the species! “The common oak (Quercus robur) belongs to the beech family and is a species classified as a noble hardwood. Already for ancient people, the oak symbolized fertility, wisdom, and good luck. Perhaps that is why an old oak hedge grows at the edge of my current yard. It was planted along the old Kutilantie road by the previous owners of our farm perhaps 70 years ago, and when the road moved further away, the oak hedge remained in place. The oak is slow-growing and usually grows to a height of 10–20 meters. Its autumn coloring is a beautiful brown. My parents already wanted to preserve the beginning of the young oak hedge and let it grow in our yard as a shelter for the house. Now that I have returned to live in the yard of my childhood, the same old oaks stand as a proud and valuable row at the edge of our lawn. In my opinion, the arboretum is a fine fruit of cooperation in Iittala. This is what our village needs. I encourage as many as possible to participate in the establishment and care of the park.”

The students of Kalvola Co-educational School joined the founders of the Iittala arboretum. “Before the comprehensive school, there was a private secondary school in Kalvola, the Kalvola Co-educational School. We, the students of the classes of 1960–65, are eagerly involved in building the Iittala Arboreturm. Although we live in different parts of Finland, and some even far abroad, our memories of childhood in Kalvola remain in our hearts. As our tree friend, we chose the oak (Quercus robur), that sacred tree believed to bring luck and longevity. The oak still binds us to Kalvola. In the yard of one of us, oaks grow whose acorns were picked in Iittala. Another had smuggled acorns in their suitcase to their home in Europe. A third had received an oak sapling from their father’s grave. And someone justified their choice by being a founding member of the Oak Leaf Heritage Association. Many of us remember the road from the railway station to ‘Mammanmäki’. There are memories of the oak from there too.” “May our oak grow and prosper for hundreds of years!”

The donors are:

Eerola Ulla
Fredriksson Helvi
Järvinen Tuula
Juottonen Mauno
Keturi Aila
Kokkonen Seppo
Kopio Jorma
Könnölä Tarja
Laine Sinikka
Matikainen Martti
Mattlar Riitta
Peterhansil Sirpa
Salonen Jaakko
Seppänen Juha
Sinkkonen Juhani
Stettler Kirsi
Löfgren Ritva
Tuura Pekka
Welling Leena
Vaaramo Pekka
Vuorio Olli
Wuotila Ulla
Ylhäinen Anna-Kaisa
Ängeslevä Tarja

The old oak growing in the yard of the Hakala croft in Unonen inspired Hannu Kaski to join the founders of the Iittala arboretum. Read Hannu’s story: “The croft at the site of the current Hakala house in Unostenmäki was inhabited in the late 19th century by Vilhelmiina and Kalle. The current house on Ritarinkuja was completed on the same site in 1952, and in the same year, a son was born to Väinö and Siiri’s daughter Eeva and Pentti Kaski. This son, Hannu Kaski, wants to donate an oak to the Kalvola arboretum. According to oral tradition received from Eeva Kaski, an oak was planted to grow at the end of the original Hakala croft in Unonen in 1894. The tree was started from an acorn by Eeva’s uncle, Richard Hakala. The tree has been allowed to continue growing at the end of the croft, even though a new house was built right next to it.”

• Characteristics: The common alder is a strong and multi-trunked tree, 5–30 meters tall. It lives to be 80–120 years old, with some having lived up to 150 years. It has sticky, shiny, dark green leaves that widen at the base. Its trunk is dark grayish-brown. The common alder produces basal and stump sprouts.
• Tree group: Is a deciduous tree as well as an alder tree.
• Habitat: Lives in nutrient-rich and moist places, such as shores, stream-side spruce mires, the edges of lush swamps, herb-rich hardwood spruce mires, and moist groves.
• Prevalence: The common alder is very common in Southern Finland, but it occurs almost everywhere where it is even slightly moist. North of the latitude of Oulu, however, it is rarer.
• Economic significance: It can be used to manufacture, for example, sauna benches, smoking chips, wall panels, and guitars.
• Impact of climate change: Climate change is not likely to affect the distribution of the common alder very significantly.

More information and images of the common alder.

• Characteristics: The bullata willow grows 3–10 meters tall and approximately as wide. The leaves are 6–15 centimeters long and narrowly lanceolate.
• Tree group: Willow family.
• Habitat: Thrives in a sunny or semi-shaded location.
• Prevalence: It is planted mainly as a park tree and ornamental tree.
• Economic significance: Used as decoration in parks and at home.
• Significance in nature: No major significance in nature.
• Impact of climate change: Benefits from climate change due to the warmth.

More information and images of the bullata willow.

The story of the bullata willow donors

“Our group of friends, who grew up in Iittala during our childhood and youth, wants to donate a bullata willow sapling to the arboretum. This particular variety is a robustly structured tree that grows large and wide. Its sturdy branches attract children (and why not adults too) to climb, as well as squirrels and birds to the tree to wonder at the goings-on in Iittala. The willow is a durable and handsome tree that serves as a reminder of a friendship lasting decades, and also of the importance of community: belonging to a community is a resource for a person, creating security and increasing well-being. In the future, we can follow the growth of the ‘friendship tree’ with our old group and, for example, spend a coffee moment in the arboretum exchanging news.”

• Characteristics: The Amur chokecherry is a fast-growing tree, without root suckers and relatively low-growing, but with a very broad crown when older. The birch-like peeling bark is golden or copper-brown. Its characteristics include, like many trees of the Prunus genus, growing several side branches from the same point on the trunk, which makes the thick branches prone to breaking in storms and under the weight of snow.
• Tree group: A deciduous tree belonging to the cherry genus.
• Habitat: Thrives in a sunny and bright location, best in nutrient-rich and loamy soil.
• Economic significance: Used mainly as a park and garden tree.

More information and images of the Amur chokecherry.

• Characteristics: The bird cherry is recognized by its flower and the shape of its leaves. It is 2–15 meters tall and its leaves are long, oval, and pointed. Its flower is white, radial, and they are triangular.
• Tree group: The bird cherry is a deciduous tree, and its subspecies include the European bird cherry and the boreal bird cherry.
• Habitat: Groves, stream banks, shore forests and thickets, forest edges, also as an ornamental tree in yards.
• Prevalence: The bird cherry is a common tree almost everywhere except on shores. In the coastal parts of Southwest Finland, there are almost no bird cherries at all.
• Economic significance of the species: The bird cherry was once used for horse collars and bucket hoops. Significance of the species in nature: The wood and bark of the bird cherry contain a toxic glycoside that breaks down into bitter almond oil and prussic acid. This gives the bird cherry its strong smell and taste, which is an effective defense against animals. Nevertheless, in some summers, the bird cherry is plagued by bird cherry ermine moths, whose larvae drape the trees in their white silk and eat the leaves.
• Impact of climate change: Global warming has killed bird cherries from the coasts of Southwest Finland and to some extent from the north.

More information and images of the bird cherry.

• Characteristics: The ‘Dodong’ rowan is a medium-sized tree with relatively upright branches; the leaves are large but appear delicate due to the narrow leaflets; the autumn color is a magnificent red or yellow; the white inflorescence is very large; the berries in the large cluster are orange-red and slightly teardrop-shaped.
• Tree group: Deciduous tree.
• Habitat: Sunny, at least medium-nutrient soil.
• Economic significance: Used primarily as an ornamental tree in yards and gardens.

• Characteristics: The maple is recognized in summer by its large 3–5-lobed leaves; it blooms in May–June as the leaves emerge.
• Tree group: The maple belongs to the deciduous trees.
• Habitat: Maples thrive in nutrient-rich deciduous and mixed forests. The maple needs consistent moisture and plenty of light to live.
• Prevalence: The maple is common as a yard and park tree.
• Economic significance: Maple is used to make musical instruments, boxes, furniture, plywood, and parquet.
• Significance in nature: Hares eat maple saplings to survive; many insects also use the maple as food.
• Impact of climate change: As a deciduous tree, the maple is likely to benefit from global warming.

More information and images of the maple.

• Characteristics: Usually a shrub or dwarf shrub less than a meter tall, trunk thin and branched, bark thin and smooth, leaves are small and bright green, their underside is pale.
• Tree group: Belongs to deciduous trees.
• Habitat: Pine bogs, spruce mires, fens, heath forests, and fell heaths.
• Prevalence in Finland: Common in Lapland; in the south, it occurs mostly in swamps.
• Economic significance: Used as firewood, as it burns even when fresh. It has also been used as bristles for floor brooms due to its toughness.
• Significance in nature: The larvae of geometrid moths use the leaves of the dwarf birch as food.

More information and images of the dwarf birch.

• Characteristics: 10–25 meters tall, crown broad and rounded, the color of the trunk and branches is greenish-gray, and in the lower parts of the trunk, it is dark gray and develops bark; the leaves are rounded and palmate, dark green on the upper surface and completely covered with silver-gray hair on the underside.
• Tree group: Willow family.
• Habitat: Sunny, nutrient-rich, fresh. Withstands wind and tolerates clay soil.
• Prevalence: Does not grow wild in Finland; used as an ornamental plant.
• Economic significance: Best suited as energy wood because it grows faster than, for example, pine and spruce.
• Impact of climate change: As a deciduous tree, the white poplar is likely to benefit from global warming.

• Characteristics: The Schwedler maple is 10–15 meters in height. The leaves of the Schwedler maple are blood-red in early summer, but before the end of summer, they turn black.
• Tree groups: The Schwedler maple belongs to the soapberry family; it is a variety of the Norway maple, originating from a mutant branch found in 1962.
• Habitat: The Schwedler maple grows in nutrient-rich deciduous and mixed forests. It is also often a cultivation escapee. The maple requires thick, loamy, and alkaline soil, consistent moisture, and plenty of light. It is a semi-shade plant, so it thrives well as undergrowth.
• Prevalence: The Schwedler maple is common in Turku and Hyvinkää.
• Economic significance: Used as an ornamental tree.
• Significance in nature: Improves forest growth and yield.
• Impact of climate change: As a deciduous tree, the Schwedler maple is likely to benefit from global warming.

The story of the Schwedler maple donor

Ansa-Katariina Lönnholtz is one of the first tree lovers to join the founders of the arboretum. Here is her story related to the memories of her home yard: “My maternal grandmother was the only one of my grandparents who was alive at the same time as me. The first thing you encountered when entering the house was a large and magnificent juniper. There were indeed several others in the yard as well. My grandmother died when I was 6 years old, after which we moved into her house. While living there, for about 13 years, I walked past that magnificent juniper many times a day, admiring it. The juniper is still in place today. One can only imagine all that it has seen during its lifetime. The Schwedler maple, on the other hand, was selected because of its name. My surname, after all, means maple tree in Finnish. I originally tried to get a Norway maple, but it had already been taken, so the Schwedler maple was kindly suggested to me. It suited me perfectly, also because of its magnificent coloring. It is wonderful to be involved in such a project in my own village, which increases knowledge of tree species and makes the center more beautiful.”

• Characteristics: The crown is rounded and often flat-topped, the branches are thick and crooked, resembling an apple tree.
• Tree group: Deciduous trees, almost always silver birches.
• Habitats: Fertile forest lands, groves, and the best field lands.
• Prevalence: In Finland, the curly birch occurs in the south, although it is very rare in the wild.
• Curly birch is used to manufacture: High-quality interior products, furniture, decorative and art objects.
• Impact of climate change: Due to the warming climate, the curly birch may grow faster than before.

More information and images of the curly birch.

• Characteristics: In Finland, the wych elm usually grows to a length of 15–25 meters. The trunk remains relatively smooth on the surface for a long time, but old specimens develop net-like cracked grayish-brown rough bark. The leaf buds are almost spherical, blunt, and dark in color. The branches are robust, upward-sloping, and the crown is broad and funnel-shaped. The shoot axis of the current summer’s branches is usually hairy.
• Tree group: Noble hardwood.
• Habitat: In the wild, the wych elm grows in fresh, nutrient-rich forests at the base of cliffs and along streams. In Finland, the species is also often a cultivation escapee, in which case it is found in the border forests of yards and parks, along roadsides, on shore embankments, and in landfills. However, escaped individuals very rarely grow into large trees.
• Prevalence: In Finland, the wych elm is a rare and southern species of herb-rich forests in the wild. In the wild, the wych elm is found very sporadically, mainly as local occurrences, south of the Pori-Tampere-Lappeenranta line. However, there are also separate occurrences further north, including in North Savo and North Karelia.
• Economic significance: The wood of the wych elm is tough, durable, and tolerates moisture well after drying. For this reason, the wood is used particularly in the furniture industry as veneer and in the manufacture of decorative objects.
• Impact of climate change: The wych elm will spread further north with climate change.

More information and images of the wych elm.