Birch Leaves form the bright yellow-green canopy of birch trees in forests, birch forests, old growth birch forests, and flower forests. Birch Leaves decay after nearby birch logs are removed unless the leaves were placed by a player or made persistent. Breaking naturally generated Birch Leaves without a suitable collection tool has a 5% chance to drop a birch sapling and a 2% chance to drop a stick; Fortune increases both chances. Unlike oak and dark oak leaves, Birch Leaves never drop apples.

Birch Leaves can be collected intact with shears or a tool enchanted with Silk Touch. Builders use Birch Leaves for hedges, garden trees, trellises, and light-colored woodland canopies because the foliage remains visually brighter than most other leaf types. Birch Leaves are flammable and can be composted, so decorative foliage should be kept away from exposed fire or lava. Player-placed Birch Leaves do not decay, which makes planned landscaping stable after the supporting logs are removed.