Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks'

Big Blue Stem

Plant Type: Native

'Blackhawks' is a new twist on Big Blue Stem with its foliage that emerges as dark green, transitions to purple in August, and then turns nearly black by late September. It is a little shorter than the straight species, topping out at 4-5 feet tall, but its dramatic coloration ensures it still stands out. It shares all the familiar qualities of Big Blue Stem including drought tolerance, deer resistance and is tolerant of air pollution. It requires full sun and well drained soils to keep its strong upright growth. It also has an extensive root system once established that makes it a good choice for erosion control. It works well as the taller element in beds and borders, in mass plantings as a screen, and also in meadow/prairie-style plantings.