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Probably the most common willow in Mississippi is the Black Willow.

Grafting is a fairly simple process, but probably not as simple as it sounds. It is also difficult to describe without pictures to show you what I'm talking about. However, here are the basics:

First you need to know the terms. A scion is the piece of plant that has been detached from the main plant.

The rootstock is the growing plant that you will graft the scion onto.

1. In early winter, choose and cut your scions and place them in plastic baggies. Select scions about the diameter of a pencil, six to eight inches long with a few buds formed on them. Be sure to write what type of plant it is on the baggie. Refrigerate the baggie until early spring.

2. In early spring, choose your rootstock and cut it at an angle. This rootstock should be about the same diameter as the scion. Make an identical cut on the scion.

3. Make a second cut on each about half way down from the first cut to form a tongue. These notches should fit nicely together with the green part of the branches pressed closely together.

4. Wrap and stake the graft securely. It may take about three years for the graft to be strong. Grafts can be sealed with grafting wax or grafting tape as well as electrical tape.

This is a basic way to graft but there are other ways as well. For more details, call your local extension office. They may have a handout that will give you more details as well as illustrations that will help you to learn grafting.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

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How can willows trees be graftted in mississippi from one plant to another and what kind grow here

-- Contributed by: Ricky Gowan

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Steve, I have heard this as well, but I have never had the opportunity to try it. The method is simple though if you want to give it a shot.

Take new, young willow branches and strip off the leaves. Then cut into small sticks about one inch long. Cover with water and heat almost until boiling. Allow to "steep" several hours. Strain out sticks and you have willow water.

This can be covered and used within a few days. I have yet to find a soilid "yes" or "no" about it. Many love it, many say it is silly. If you decide to try it, let us know how it works for you.

Thanks for the question.

This

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

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l was told if you let the willow branches soak in water over night. then strain, that it makes a natural rooting hormone for cloning plants. can you tell me if this is true?

thanks steve

-- Contributed by: steve
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