Allegheny Chinkapin/chinquapin (Castanea pumila var. pumila)

Chinkapin Leaves

Usually smaller than American chestnut leaves, but highly variable

Chinkapin leaves exposed to the sun are whitish underneath because of numerous leaf hairs

American chestnut leaves, in contrast, have few hairs and are light green underneath

Chinkapin burs ——– Chestnut bur

Chinkapin burs are often in grape-like clusters.
Chinkapins have only one small, pointed nut per bur (versus up to three nuts per bur for chestnuts).
Chinkapin burs open into two sections (valves) whereas chestnut burs open into four sections.

Nuts

Top: Chinkapin nuts: note the pointed end

Middle: American chestnuts: note the hairy surface

Bottom: Chinese chestnuts: note the rounded end