By Rylee Owens
Walton County Greenhouse.
A greenery-filled greenhouse in Walton County contains many diverse plant species, including the American water willow (Justicia Americana). Managed by Fisheries Tech Mark Rigglesford, this greenhouse, operating at a piping 110 degrees Fahrenheit, proudly produces 15 to 18 thousand plants annually.
The American water willow, with its slender stems and spear-shaped leaves, is a native aquatic plant with significant ecological importance. It provides a natural habitat for fish of all sizes and prevents erosion, making it a vital component of aquatic ecosystems.
American water willow sprigs.
While other vegetation is grown in the greenhouse, such as lotus, maidencane and cypress trees, Mark’s current focus is on the American water willow. The propagation process of the water willow is as fascinating as it is essential.
When cultivating the water willows, Mark uses the “clipping” method. “To reproduce water willows, we do clippings. This means all we have to do is cut below the node of a healthy existing willow and just stick them in the soil where they sprig from there.” For the propagation process to be successful, water willows only need two nodes; one to be planted into the soil submerged in about three inches of water where it will root, and one to stay above ground where it will begin to grow its leaves. This procedure successfully regenerates new water willows, ready to contribute to aquatic environments.
Adult water willows ready to be transported to their next destination.
Before the establishment of the greenhouse, the DNR employed unconventional methods to foster the growth of water willows. Up until 2016, kiddie pools covered by tarps served as makeshift nurseries. However, with the coming of the greenhouse, a more controlled and efficient environment was created, allowing for the mass cultivation of water willows with precision and care.
The significance of this greenhouse extends far beyond its role as a facility for plant propagation. It stands for conservation efforts, symbolizing the dedication of individuals like Mark Rigglesford and institutions like the DNR. By bringing up such a great multitude of water willows each year, the greenhouse contributes to the improvement of aquatic habitats, guaranteeing sustainability.
Rylee Owens is a communications specialist in the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division.