Plants are medium to large and spreading. Stems are medium green without other pigmentation, having nodes the same diameter as the stem with prominent wings. Leaves are dark green, slightly pubescent with numerous secondary leaflets. Flowers are light violet, anthers are yellow, with a moderate amount of fertile pollen. Tubers are oblong to round, medium thick with a smooth, medium red skin and white flesh.
Eyes are shallow and well distributed on tubers.
Tubers separate easily from the stolons and have a medium dormancy. Chieftain has wide adaptability and good yield potential. Tubers are attractive and well suited for the table stock market. Processing quality for chips and french fries is not acceptable. Chieftain is moderately resistant to scab, resistant to mild mosaic, stem end browning and net necrosis caused by current season leaf roll.