Betula cordifolia mature to about 3–5 cm long and bear winged nutlets about 2–3 mm long. "Betula cordifolia" is found in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, northwestern Ontario, Northern New York State, and New England. It is generally found in northern habitats or high elevations, particularly on moist ground. "Betula cordifolia" and "Betula papyrifera" are very similar species, indeed they were once considered the same species. The primary methods of distinguishing the one from the other include: Since many of these characteristics vary from tree to tree, ideally several of these characteristics should be noted before making a positive identification. It has been suggested
Betula lenta male catkins pendulous, the female catkins erect. The fruit, maturing in fall, is composed of numerous tiny winged seeds packed between the catkin bracts. Seed production mainly occurs in trees that are between 40 and 200 years old, although light crops may occur as early as 15 years and as long as the tree lives. Contrary to common knowledge, the lifespan of "B. lenta" is typically around 200 years, and many individuals will reach 250 and even 300 years. The oldest known "B. lenta" has been confirmed to be 368 years old, and the species may live even longer than