Andropogon gerardii 'Holy Smoke' (Big Bluestem)

Andropogon gerardii 'Holy Smoke' is a cultivar of  big bluestem, an upright, perennial prairie grass native to most areas of the United States, noted for its incredibly colorful foliage, which emerges green and burgundy red in the spring, and matures to darker purples and pinks through the summer. Towards the end of summer and fall, the 'Holy Smoke' cultivar's purple foliage picks up darker, purple-black colors that add a smoky appearance when planted in masses.

Andropogon gerardii generally prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but it can thrive in a variety of soils and conditions, including poor soils, and can grow to 5-7' tall and spreads to form large clumps of up to 3-4'. In late summer, airy purple flower clusters appear 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, 'Holy Smoke' is an excellent colorful cultivar with plenty of ecological benefits.