Leaves of Betula cordifolia are simple, alternate and doubly-toothed. The bark is white and papery, as in B. papyrifera and B. pendula. The leaf bases of Betula cordifolia are heart-shaped or nearly so. It is otherwise very similar to B. papyrifera and some authors have designated it as Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia. See the key for characters to separate these three species of birches.

The distribution of B. cordifolia is more restricted than that of B. papyrifera, ranging from northeastern Minnesota and Wisconsin, mostly north of the Great Lakes to Maine and north through Ontario and Quebec to Labrador. The distribution in Wisconsin is not clear and collectors can add to our knowledge by making careful collections with thorough notes.