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