Leaves are alternate, in pairs on dwarf shoots, acute at the apex, broadly cuneate to rotundate at the base, regularly and coarsely serrate, deep green above, grayish white below.

Flowers in May with leaves.

Fruiting catkins ripening in October.

This birch is endemic to the subalpine zone in Honshu.

The inner bark of the tree is aromatic with winter-green oil as that of the cherry birch group.

The wood is used for paperpulp, fuels and so on.

Distribution ; Honshu(Akita to Nara)