Castanea alnifolia (Trailing Chinkapin)

Castanea alnifolia, commonly known as Trailing Chinkapin, is a small deciduous shrub that grows up to 3 feet tall. It is native to the southeastern United States and is named for its trailing stems. The leaves are simple, alternate, and resemble those of the alder, hence the species name alnifolia. It produces edible nuts and usually forms clonal colonies through underground suckers.