The leaves are simple, alternately arranged,[4] narrowly elliptical or lanceolate, yellow-green above and paler and finely hairy on the underside.

Male flowers are small and pale yellow to white, borne on erect catkins 10–15 cm (4–6 in) long attached to the base of each leaf.

[6] Allegheny chinquapin occurs in mixed hardwood forests among pine and oak trees on high ridges and slopes that are free from limestone.

It is also found on well-drained stream terraces, dry pinelands, and disturbed sites such as railroad rights- of-way, power line clearings, fence and hedgerows, pine plantations, and old fields.

Allegheny chinquapin is closely related to the American chestnut, Castanea dentata, and both trees can be found in the same habitat.

[citation needed] John Smith of Jamestown made the first record of the tree and its nuts in 1612, observing its use by the Native Americans.