Blackhawks Big Bluestem grass (Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks') is a native cultivar of Big Bluestem grass which is native to much of the Great Plains and grassland regions of central and eastern North America. Blackhawks Big Bluestem is known for its spectacular colour throughout the seasons, emerging with grey/green stems in spring, dark green foliage in early summer, deep purples and burgundies mid-summer, intensifying to nearly black in autumn. Blackhawks Big Bluestem plant is a warm season perennial grass. Reaching heights of 1.5 m, it is often grown as an ornamental because of its good architectural height, its attractive seasonally changing foliage, and its interesting flower / seed heads which emerge in late summer. The flower/seed heads rise above the foliage clump and somewhat resemble the shape of turkey feet, hence the common moniker of Turkeyfoot grass. The seeds of Black Big Bluestem grass attract songbirds, and the foliage will be used as nesting material by various birds and mammals. The foliage also looks great in both cut flower bouquets, or in dried floral arrangements. Blackhawks Tall Bluestem does well in average to dry, well drained soil and can also thrive in low nutrients and/or sandy soils as long as it has full sun. Once established, this native cultivar grass will tolerate drought conditions. It is deer, drought, and black walnut tolerant. Cut back Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks' in the spring to make way for new growth.
