Big Bluestem ‘Blackhawks’ is a cultivar of Big Bluestem that offers foliage 4-5 feet tall that changes color with the seasons. The upright foliage starts dark green but begins to turn purple in August, and is nearly black by late September. Its purplish/black seedheads, which resemble turkey feet, appear in late-summer or early-fall and persist into winter. Its foliage provides cover for small animals, and nesting sites for birds. Butterflies appreciate its nectar, and birds will eat its seeds.
‘Blackhawks’ is easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. While it is tolerant of a wide range of soils and growing conditions, it produces the most growth in moist, fertile soils. However, it retains better stability and is less likely to topple in dryish, infertile soils. This grass develops an extensive root system and is somewhat slow to establish, but, once established, has excellent drought tolerance, is easy to maintain, and can provide erosion control. Cut stems to the ground in late winter before new shoots appear.
Height: 4′-5′ Spread: 1′-2′ Bloom: September-February Light: Full Sun Water: Low-Medium Zone: 3-9 Origin: North America (Cultivar)
