Tree to 10-20 m tall. Branchlets grey to reddish and covered with white resin glands. Leaves ovate to triangular with a shortly-tapering point, the base also tapering with sides slightly unequal, 4-6 cm long with large teeth and 5-7 pairs of veins. Bud break is early, up to 3 weeks before most birches. Female catkins to 3 cm long; early spring.

Japan, N China

Bark mostly dusty and white; leaves early, pale green, the margins with relatively large teeth.

Source: Spencer, R. (1997). Betulaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 2. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 1. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press. (as Betula platyphylla var. japonica)