A distinct female cultivar of Salix viminalis.times.S. miyabeana named
`Tully Champion`, characterized by rapid stem growth producing greater
than 25% more woody biomass than two current production clones (Salix
dasyclados `SV1` and Salix miyabeana `SX64`), more than 2.5-fold greater
biomass than one of its parents (Salix miyabeana `SX67`), and nearly
3-fold more biomass than another production clone (Salix sacchalinensis,
`SX61`) when grown in the same field for the same length of time (two
growing seasons after coppice) in Tully, N.Y. `Tully Champion` can be
planted from dormant stem cuttings, produces multiple stems after
coppice, and the stem biomass can be harvested when the plant is dormant.
In the spring following harvest, the plant will re-sprout very
vigorously, producing new stems that can be harvested repeatedly after
two to four years of growth. `Tully Champion` displays a low incidence of
rust disease and is not damaged by potato leafhoppers.