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Close-up of tall, narrow, green grass-like leaves in a garden bed with sunlight glinting off the blades.

Dense clump of green, narrow-leaved ornamental grass growing in a garden bed.

Large clump of ornamental grass with long thin green leaves in a pot outdoors at a nursery.

Tall ornamental grass in a black nursery pot on a concrete path, with rows of pots in the background.

Clump of tall, slender, green ornamental grasses with long blades growing in pots along a garden-center aisle.

Clump of tall, narrow, strap-shaped green leaves emerging from a brown root crown in a black pot, in a plant nursery walkway.

Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass

Dark Dramatic Foliage
Tall Prairie Texture
Late Season Seedheads

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Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass

Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Should not need any extra fertilizer unless your entire lawn and garden have problems and needs regular fertilizing.

Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass

Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass is a bold native ornamental grass with upright prairie architecture, dark purple to near-black foliage, and distinctive late-season seedheads. It brings height, texture, movement, and dramatic color to sunny borders, meadow plantings, naturalized areas, and native garden designs.

Why choose Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass?

Choose Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass for its striking dark foliage and strong vertical form. This cultivar starts green to blue-green early in the season, then deepens into rich purple-black tones as summer progresses. Its tall, narrow habit adds structure without overwhelming the garden, while the classic “turkey-foot” seedheads provide late-season interest. It is especially useful in native landscapes, prairie-inspired beds, erosion-control plantings, and sunny back borders where durable texture and seasonal drama are desired.

Key Characteristics

Botanical Name: Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’
Common Name: Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass
Plant Type: Perennial ornamental grass
Growth Habit: Upright, clumping warm-season grass

Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass Additional Information

Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass is a warm-season native grass that grows most actively once temperatures warm. Its foliage typically emerges green to blue-green, then develops deep purple and nearly black tones through the growing season, giving the plant a moody, high-contrast look in the landscape. In late summer to fall, tall stems carry branching seedheads often described as turkey-foot shaped, adding airy texture and movement above the foliage.

This cultivar is deciduous and leaves behind upright tan to bronze stems that can provide winter texture and wildlife cover when left standing. It works beautifully in masses, mixed native plantings, pollinator gardens, meadow borders, slopes, and sunny foundation beds where height is useful. Its deep roots help stabilize soil once established. Cut the grass back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to refresh the clump for the season.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass in full sun for the best color and strongest upright habit. Set the crown level with the surrounding soil and loosen the planting area so roots can spread into the native soil.

2. Watering: Water regularly after planting to help establish a deep root system. Once established, this warm-season grass handles periodic dry conditions well, though occasional watering during extended drought supports fuller growth.

3. Mulching: Apply a light layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and reduce weed competition. Keep mulch slightly away from the crown so the clump remains open and healthy.

4. Pruning: Leave stems standing through winter for texture and habitat value, then cut back close to the ground in late winter or early spring before fresh shoots emerge.

Related Resources

FAQs

How tall does Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass get?
Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass typically grows about 4 to 6 feet tall in bloom, with a narrower spread around 2 to 3 feet depending on soil, moisture, and site conditions.
Does Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass need full sun?
Yes. Full sun supports the best upright growth, strongest foliage color, and most attractive flowering stems. It can tolerate a little light shade, but color and form are usually best in sunny sites.
When does Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass bloom?
It usually produces its distinctive branching seedheads in late summer to fall. These seedheads rise above the foliage and add movement, texture, and seasonal interest into winter.

Shipping Details

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.

Amount of Order	Shipping Charge
Local Delivery	FREE SHIPPING
Non-Local Delivery	Varies based on UPS shipping

Full Sun
Lush Foliage
Plant Spacing

Mature Height	10' +
Mature Spread	0-5 ft
Growth Rate	Fast, Moderate
Botanical Name	Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’
Bloom Time	Early Fall, Late Summer
Deer Resistant	Usually
Family	Poaceae
Flower Color	Blue/Purple
Hardiness Zones	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Needs	Full Sun
Maintenance	Low
Size	#2 Container

Green map of the United States with state boundaries outlined in black, all states shaded in green, on a white background.

Growing Zones 3-9 Outdoors

(Hardy down to -40)

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