Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’ (Big Bluestem)

Appealing in most seasons, Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’ (Big Bluestem) is a warm season perennial grass forming an upright clump of stems with flattened leaves which emerge deep green to dark purple in spring and deepen to near black. Flowering stems rise in late summer above the foliage bearing purplish 3-parted, finger-like flower clusters, resembling turkey feet (hence the common name). Perfect for providing height and color to the garden, Big Bluestem is drought tolerant, requires very little care, is virtually disease and pest free and provides months of interest. This long-lived architectural grass has a variety of uses, including screening, naturalizing, restoring prairies, and nesting materials for birds and mammals.

• Grows in a dense clump up to 4-5 ft. tall (120-150 cm) and 1-2 ft. across (30-60 cm). Freely self-seeds when happy.
• Performs best in full sun in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. This plant is not fussy about soils and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including dry soils. Lean to average soils are best, as too much fertility will cause the plants to be more open and weak in habit.
• Excellent choice for drought-prone gardens, this architectural grass is perfect for the back of the borders, prairie plantings or banks and slopes for erosion control.