Cowbane (Oxypolis rigidior) is a sparsely branched plant with umbrella-shaped white flowers that thrives in marshlands and wet prairies. The flower name is derived not from the flower’s form or stature but from its detrimental impact on its unwitting consumer. Yes, cowbane is poisonous to cattle—the bane of their existence in a cowbane-infested prairie, but the plant is part of an important habitat for smaller indigenous wildlife. In Augusta County, the South River runs through a variety of natural prairies that have been preserved, protected and expanded over recent years as the Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve under Virginia’s Natural Heritage program that is run by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Although once common, these wet prairies are increasingly rare because of agricultural, industrial, and residential development. The deep, fibrous roots of the prairie grasses help filtrate rainwater before it enters the river and also reduce riverbank erosion. Eleven rare plants, including Queen-of-the-prairie, blue flag Iris, and marsh-speedwell live on this natural area preserve protected by the state of Virginia. According to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), a portion of the South River within the preserve also provides habitat for two freshwater mussel species that are at risk of extinction. Mussels are filter feeders that help purify water for humans and wildlife, so robust mussel populations in a river indicate a healthy and resilient water system. Birders will enjoy a visit to the preserve any time of the year. Recently the wetlands have been host for several weeks to some rare visitors – Sandhill Cranes.
The reserve is open to visitors but is periodically closed for resource protection or prescribed burning activities. If you want to bask in the beauty of the undisturbed prairie on your own, park at the small pull-off along Johnson Drive (on the right side as you head toward Cowbane) in front of an iron pole at the Alcoa plant. Parking is limited. Do not park at the gate on the road to the preserve itself. If you’d like to visit with a group, call Tyler Urgo (the Natural Heritage Steward for the Valley’s Natural Area Preserves) at 540-487-9939 before you venture out. If you want to enjoy the Preserve virtually, click here and scroll down for the short video, “Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve.”