Betula cordifolia that "Betula cordifolia" and "Betula papyrifera" hybridise, however this is unlikely given the more recent evidence of different chromosome numbers. The most conclusive method of identification is from chromosome analysis. Betula cordifolia Betula cordifolia (mountain paper birch, also known as mountain white birch or eastern paper birch) is a birch species native to Eastern Canada and the Northeastern United States. Until recently it was considered a variety of "Betula papyrifera" (paper birch), with which it shares many characteristics, and it was classified as "B. papyrifera" var." cordifolia" (Regel) Fern. "Betula cordifolia" is a deciduous tree that reaches heights of about
Alnus cordata with a very long season in leaf, from April to December in the Northern Hemisphere; they are alternate, cordate (heart-shaped), rich glossy green, 5–12 cm long, with a finely serrated margin. The slender cylindrical male catkins are pendulous, reddish and up to 10 cm long; pollination is in early spring, before the leaves emerge. The female catkins are ovoid, when mature in autumn 2–3 cm long and 1.5–2 cm broad, dark green to brown, hard, woody, and superficially similar to some conifer cones. The small winged seeds disperse through the winter, leaving the old woody, blackish 'cones' on the tree