Chestnut plant named ‘Au Gobbler II’

Abstract

‘AU Gobbler II’ is a new and distinct Chinese chestnut cultivar that is precocious and produces a medium to large crop annually of small nuts that mature early and start dropping about September 4. Nut drop continues for a 4 to 5 week period. The nuts mature and start dropping 2-3 weeks before most cultivars. The early nut drop and small nut size of ‘AU Gobbler II’ makes it ideal for use as a food source for turkey and other wildlife. ‘AU Gobbler II’ is an excellent companion cultivar to ‘AU Gobbler I’ as nut drop begins about 10 days after nut drop of ‘AU Gobbler I’ and extends the season of available food supply for wildlife. The major nut drop period of ‘AU Gobbler II’ occurs after the major nut drop period of ‘AU Gobbler I’.

1. A new and distinct cultivar of the species  Castanea mollissima  Blume named ‘AU Gobbler II’ as described and illustrated herein.