This widespread eastern tree can be confused with carolinae-septentrionalis and laciniosa; see notes under those species. In Ky. some colls. suggest hybridization with glabra, laciniosa and perhaps tomentosa. Hybrids with tomentosa have been produced artificially in N.J., with ca. 60-80% germination, versus almost 100% in open-pollinated trees (McCarthy & Quinn 1990). Fruits are generally 3-4 cm long and wide, with nuts ca. 3 x 2 cm. However, unusually small fruits have been seen in JEFF (woods W of Fairdale High School), 2.5-3.5 cm long and wide, with nuts only ca. 1.5 x 1 cm. The state champion is reported from National Park Service land in MCRE (KDF 2020): 112 cm dbh, 45 m tall, 17 m wide.