This variety first gained prominence in the forties and maintained its position of major importance through the 1970's. During this time, it was the major white-skinned variety in the Northeast because of its consistent performance. Katahdin is used primarily for tablestock. Plants are medium in size, growing slowly at first, then developing rapidly with a somewhat open canopy. Stems, leaves, and petioles are dark green with slight purple pigmentation in the stems and petioles.
Flowers are lilac with white tips.
Pollen is abundant and fertile. For this reason and for its desirable characteristic, Katahdin appears in the pedigrees of many North American varieties. Tubers are round to oblong with buff, smooth skin and creamy white flesh. Lateral eyes are shallow and apical eyes are moderately deep. Specific gravity and cooking quality are medium.