I read the Willow tree has the same properties as expensive hormone gel sold at your local green house. This is how Grandmother would root her cuttings and she had a amazing "green thumb" She would cut about a dozen thin branches off a willow tree , remove leaf and then cut each branch into 2-3 inch pieces. Place in large stock pot and boil, then cover and simmer awhile. Let sit a day cooled ; then pour the water into jars to place her cuttings while they root.