Only a name as meaningful and powerful as Blackhawks could be chosen for this American classic.

An outstanding selection of our native prairie grass, Blackhawks Big Blue Stem Grass, Andropogon gerardii, brings dramatic interest with dark purple to near black leaf blades and dark purple flower clusters. The foliage emerges deep green in spring then as the season progresses turns dark purple then near black. In late summer flowering stems rise above the foliage bearing distinctive purple 3-parted, finger-like flower clusters that remind many of turkey feet, hence its other common name Turkeyfoot Grass. Showy seeds follow the flowers.

This magnificent long-lived grass can be used in a multitude of uses including screening, as a hedge, dramatic focal point, as a background for other perennials, planted in large containers, naturalizing, prairie restoration, and as nesting materials for birds and animals.

Known as “Monarch of the Prairie,” our native Big Blue Stem Grass was once the dominant grass of the Midwest tallgrass prairie. Very easy to grow, it easily adapts to a wide range of soil and moisture conditions. It requires full sun, at least 6 hours a day, although if you get hot afternoon sun you can get away with a little less.

Plant in full sun. Slow to establish, keep Big Blue Stem well-watered for the first couple of years to nurture its large root system. Very drought tolerant once established needing little to no care.