Blackhawks Big Bluestem

Blackhawks Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks') is a striking, tall native grass known for its bold, dark purple-black foliage that adds dramatic color and texture to any landscape. Thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, this warm-season grass grows 5 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, making it a standout choice for garden beds, borders, and naturalized areas. As summer progresses, the foliage deepens from green to dark purple, eventually maturing to near-black in fall. Blackhawks Big Bluestem also produces feathery, purplish seed heads in late summer, adding height and visual interest to your garden. Blackhawks Big Bluestem is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. It is ideal for prairie-style gardens, meadows, or mixed perennial beds. Its upright growth habit and dark coloring create a striking contrast when paired with lighter-colored grasses or flowering perennials like coneflowers and rudbeckia. It is low-maintenance, and its deep root system makes it an excellent option for erosion control on slopes or planting in poor, dry soils. This native grass attracts birds and pollinators, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden. Blackhawks Big Bluestem is also deer-resistant and requires little care once established, making it an easy choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, high-impact plant. Its ability to thrive in challenging conditions and provide year-round visual interest makes it a versatile addition to both formal and naturalistic landscapes. Whether planted en masse or as a specimen plant, Blackhawks Big Bluestem delivers texture, movement, and bold color that will transform your garden throughout the seasons.