Dwarf birch is a Bushy shrub native to North America. It hybridizes readily with other birch trees and often forms colonies, usually under 5 feet in height. It can be found in swamps, bogs, peatlands, and stream borders; generally prefers moist to wet calcareous areas.

Young growth is variable, ranging from glabrous to pubescent, with or without warty glands. Leaves are stiff, thick, and leathery. The shape is elliptic to widely ovate and coarsely toothed. Catkins bloom in late spring where male catkins hang and female ones are erect. The bark is smooth and dark reddish brown with pale lenticels.