Leaves are alternate, generally in pairs on dwarf shoots, broadly ovate, short-acuminate at the apex, broadly cuneate, rounded, or shallowly cordate at the base. deep green and slightly lustrous above, pale green beneath.

Flowers in May with leaves.

Fruiting catkins ripening in October.

This birch is restricted to a rather small area in central Honshu, growing on sunny ridges from the upper part of the cool temperate zone to the lower part of the subalpine zone.

The wood, hard and tough, is used for fuels and so on.

Distribution ; Central Honshu (Tochigi to Nagano)