Willows

• Willows are fast-growing shrubs or trees known for their branch and stem flexibility, and have long been used in basketry and furniture making. They tolerate poor soil and wind, but require abundant water. Willows grow naturally along lakes and streams and elsewhere in highly saturated soils. Most species are dioecious, bearing male and female flowers on separate trees. Sexual reproduction is not often necessary, because asexual reproduction happens so easily. A good example in the U.S. is the Babylon weeping willow found throughout the U.S. -- a male cultivar that escaped cultivation due to randomly rooted twigs.
  
  

Supplies

• Almost all you need to successfully root willow cuttings is a pile of moist sand. Moist perlite or regular potting mix in any pot or container with drainage holes makes a good substitute. You'll also need a sharp knife, sterilized with rubbing alcohol, to take stem cuttings. Use powdered rooting hormone or willow water if you want, but willow has naturally high levels of rooting hormones, so the hormone is probably not necessary.
  
  

Rooting Cuttings

• Harvest cuttings from a vigorously growing one-year-old willow if possible, in either summer or winter. Alternatively, take the youngest mature stems from an older plant. Cut stems into 4-inch to 8-inch sections, marking the top of each stem with colored tape or ribbon; it's important that you stick the bottom of each cutting into the ground. Remove all leaves from the bottom 2/3 to 3/4 of each stem. Stick each cutting into moist rooting medium so the cutting is 70 to 80 percent buried. Water cuttings thoroughly and place them in bright, but indirect light. When they resist a gentle tug, they have started to root and can be potted up in individual pots.
  
  

Willow Water

• You can further encourage rooting in a variety of cuttings, including willows, soaking cut stems overnight in willow water before sticking them. You can also water plants that have started to root with willow water. Making your own willow water is simple: Gather up several cups of pencil-thin young willow twigs, and cut them into 1-inch sections. Remove all leaves. Split each twig in half lengthwise to expose the inner twig tissue. Bring 1/2 gallon of water -- rainwater, if available -- to a rolling boil. Turn off the heat and toss in the split twigs. Steep the twigs overnight. Finished willow water should look like weak brewed tea. Strain out any twigs and sediment. Use the willow water immediately, storing what's left in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for later waterings.