Chestnut Species Overview
The Chestnuts & Chinquapins of the World
There are currently nine accepted species in the genus Castanea across the world. These are the chestnuts and chinquapins.
North America
- American chestnut (Castanea dentata)
- Allegheny chinquapin (Castanea pumila)
- Ozark chinquapin (Castanea ozarkensis)
- Alabama chinquapin (Castanea alabamensis)
Europe and western Asia
- European chestnut (Castanea sativa)
Eastern Asia
- Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima)
- Henry chinquapin (Castanea henryi)
- Sequin chestnut (Castanea sequinii)
- Japanese chestnut (Castanea crenata)
Leaves
Leaf shape is a great starting point for identifying chestnut species. However, it is important to remember that leaf shape is highly variable and should not be used as the sole method of identification.
Front
The front (top) of leaves of all species in the genus Castanea (chestnuts and chinquapins).
Back
The back (bottom) of leaves of all species in the genus Castanea (chestnuts and chinquapins).
Burs
Example of Chestnut Burs
From Top, Clockwise: Allegheny chinkapin, European chestnut, Japanese chestnut, Chinese chestnut, and American chestnut burs
Note that the Chinese bur looks small, even though the nuts inside are large. This is because of their short, stubby spines.
Chestnut Bur Anatomy
Chestnut burs have two sutures and open into four valves (sections). There are up to three nuts per bur
Chinkapin Bur Anatomy
Chinkapin burs have one suture and open into two valves (sections). There is only a single nut per bur
Stems & Buds
Photo of Stems
From Left: American,Chinese, European, and Japanese twigs
American twig: pointed bud at 45 degree angle from stem; smooth, reddish stem
Chinese twig: rounded, hairy buds, large stipules (leaf-like coverings over the buds), large lenticels (white “bumps” on stem)
European twig: thick stem, large buds
Japanese twig: pale, pinkish stem
Nuts
Side View of Chestnuts
From Left: American, Chinese, Japanese, and European chestnuts.
Top View of Chestnuts
Top: Chinkapin nuts: note the pointed end
Middle: American chestnuts: note the hairy surface
Bottom: Chinese chestnuts: note the rounded end
Chestnuts in Bur
Up to three nuts per bur.
Chinkapins in Bur
Only one nut per bur.