Product Description
Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks' PP27949 (30)ct Flat
Common Name: Big Bluestem, Ornamental Grass
Big Bluestem are perfect for providing height and color to the garden, coming into prime a little earlier than other ornamental grasses. The foliage of 'Blackhawks' emerges deep green to dark purple in spring and deepens to near black by fall here in Michigan. This grass matures a little more than a foot shorter than 'Indian Warrior'. One of the very best Big Bluestem from hybridizer Brent Horvath.
Dubbed the "monarch of the prairie", this native grass was once the dominant component of the American tallgrass prairie. It adapts easily to a wide range of soil and moisture conditions as long as full sun is provided. This long-lived grass has a variety of uses including screening, naturalizing, restoring prairies, and nesting materials for birds and mammals.
Andropogon is not a fussy grower. It will tolerate just about any soil or moisture level as long as full sun is provided. Lean to average soils are best, as too much fertility will cause the plants to be more open and weak in habit. It is very low maintenance and long lived once established.
Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Evaluation Top Performer -- 2018
Height: 5.0 Feet
Spread: 2.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Foliage Color: Purple shades; Near-black shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Consistent Water Needs
Poor to Average Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Summer
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads, Fall Color
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting, Specimen, Focal Point
Looking for a dramatic and low-maintenance grass to elevate your garden? Andropogon g. 'Blackhawks' might be just what you need! Also known as Big Bluestem, this warm-season perennial grass is an excellent choice for adding height and color to gardens. It is a cultivar of Andropogon gerardii, a North American native grass that was a dominant species in the tallgrass prairies of the Midwest. This grass is known for its upright growth habit and attractive foliage that changes color throughout the seasons.
Classification To understand where this plant fits in the botanical world, here is a breakdown of its classification:
- Family: Poaceae (the grass family)
- Genus: Andropogon
- Species: gerardii
- Cultivar: 'Blackhawks'
Common Names Andropogon g. 'Blackhawks' goes by several common names, including:
- Big Bluestem
- Bluestem
- Big Blue Stem 'Blackhawks'
- Turkeyfoot
- Turkey Foot 'Blackhawks'
Native Range Andropogon g. 'Blackhawks' is native to North America. The species, Andropogon gerardii, is native to a vast area of North America, ranging from southern Canada to Mexico. It was a major component of the tallgrass prairie that once covered large parts of the Midwest.
Growing Conditions Andropogon g. 'Blackhawks' thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. This grass is hardy in USDA zones 3-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, including dry soils , and has excellent drought tolerance once established. For optimal growth and to prevent flopping, it is best to plant it in lean to average soils, as excessive fertility can weaken the plant.
Uses This versatile grass has a variety of uses in landscaping and gardening:
- Adding height and color to gardens: Andropogon g. 'Blackhawks' can be used as a focal point in garden beds or borders, providing vertical interest and contrasting colors with its dark foliage.
- Screening: Its dense growth habit makes it suitable for use as a screen or hedge.
- Naturalizing: It can be used in prairie plantings or naturalized areas to create a meadow-like effect.
- Erosion control: Its extensive root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on banks and slopes.
- Wildlife habitat: It provides nesting materials and shelter for birds and mammals.
- Dried arrangements: The attractive seed heads can be used in dried flower arrangements.
- Deer resistant: This grass is not a preferred food source for deer, making it a good choice for gardens with deer pressure.
Appearance Andropogon g. 'Blackhawks' is an upright, clump-forming grass that typically grows 4 to 5 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. One of the most striking features of 'Blackhawks' is its dramatic color progression throughout the year. It has flattened leaves that emerge deep green to dark purple in spring and gradually deepen to near black by fall. In late summer, it produces purplish, finger-like flower clusters that resemble turkey feet. As the weather cools, the foliage transitions to a stunning near-black shade, creating a bold statement in the autumn landscape. In winter, the color turns into a burnt sienna, and the grass stands tall, bringing architectural interest to frosty gardens.
Maintenance Andropogon g. 'Blackhawks' is a low-maintenance plant. It requires little watering once established and is virtually disease and pest-free. To maintain its appearance, cut the stems to the ground in late winter before new shoots appear.
Companion Plants Andropogon g. 'Blackhawks' pairs well with a variety of companion plants, including:
- Salvia yangii (Russian Sage)
- Achillea 'Moonshine' (Yarrow)
- Allium 'Millenium' (Ornamental Allium)
Cultivar Origin The cultivar name 'Blackhawks' is not derived from the shape of its flower clusters, but rather from its origins in Illinois, home of the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team. This unique name reflects the plant's strong and resilient nature, much like the team it is named after.
Andropogon g. 'Blackhawks' is a striking ornamental grass that offers a unique combination of color, texture, and form. Its adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions, low maintenance requirements, and ecological benefits make it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels. Whether used as a specimen plant, in mass plantings, or as part of a prairie restoration project, Andropogon g. 'Blackhawks' is sure to add beauty and interest to any landscape. With its stunning color transformation and adaptability, 'Blackhawks' is a testament to the beauty and resilience of native plants. It is a true showstopper that deserves a place in any garden.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 4.25 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
