The predominate growing region for what we call Ice Birch is Finland and some areas of Northern Russia.  However, it does grow around the 65^th parallel in Europe and Asia, as well as the Northeast of the US and Canada.

Ice Birch is sought after for the amazing figure that develops within the logs.  Big, cloud like billows and what some call as flame figure are typical.  The European distribution is also where we get Karelian Birch Burl.