Either slice these lengthwise or break them up with a hammer. Pour very hot water over the willow and let it steep for 24 hours. Here is your willow water. To use it, soak cuttings for 24 hours. At this point, studies have shown, optimum rooting occurs when you also dip cuttings in a rooting hormone, such as Rootone or Dip and Grow, before sticking them in the rooting medium.
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Rosarians familiar with the Texas Rose Rustlers may already know about their site, which, as you would expect, presents some findings on the effects of willow water in rooting roses. Although there is no mention of willow water, Walston's article on propagation is too good to ignore. He warns that beginners will, at first, find it slightly overwhelming. Two state university sites worth looking at are North Carolina's and Missouri's. Each discusses and illustrates propagation techniques.