Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks' (Big Bluestem)
- In stock, ready to ship
- Inventory on the way
Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks' is a cultivar of Andropogon gerardii, also called big bluestem, an upright, perennial prairie grass native to most areas of the United States.The 'Blackhawks' cultivar is noted for its colorful foliage, which emerges dark green with occasionaly red accents in the spring, but begins to turn to deeper reds and purples in late summer, eventually becoming so deeply purple that some spots almost look black by mid-fall.
Andropogon gerardii generally prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but it can thrive in a variety of soils and conditions, and when ideal conditions are met, it can reach heights of up to four or five feet tall, with flowers occasionally adding up to three extra feet. These large, airy, purplish flowers appear in late summer before turning to persistent seed heads, which last through the winter and provide a food source for migrating and overwintering birds. An equally excellent choice for sunny, drought-prone gardens or for erosion management projects, 'Blackhawks' is a colorful cultivar with excellent ecological benefits.