It is native to northeastern Iowa and on sheltered bluffs in Hardin county along the Iowa River. Hardy from zone 2 to 6, this birch prefers cool, moist climates, growing along lakes, streams, swamps and on uplands. It grows best on moist, well-drained, acid, sandy or silt loams in full sun and is not suitable for difficult sites or polluted areas. It often seeds over mineral soils exposed by fire. Paper birches are easily damaged by fire, but usually resprout from the roots.
Wood is close-grained, moderately heavy, moderately hard and moderately strong.
It is used for pulp, veneer, lumber, toothpicks, tongue depressors and small, worked articles. It provides excellent firewood. The bark is useful for lighting fires when other materials are wet. Birch sap boils down to provide syrup. This birch is an important tree to northern wildlife species.