Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass

Blackhawks is a named selection of big bluestem with an upright clump and summer foliage that darkens from green to deep purple, sometimes appearing nearly black by late summer. Intrinsic Introductions lists the cultivar as PP27,949; the plant patent documents its distinctive purple-red leaf tips and joints and deep-purple fall color. ## Landscape Use and Seasonal Interest An established plant is about 5 feet tall, with a patent-reported width of 24–30 inches under full-sun garden conditions. Red flower spikes begin in August and continue into September, while foliage color deepens through fall. Use it as a strong vertical accent or repeat it in a sunny border or naturalistic planting. It is a cultivar of native big bluestem, valued for its seasonal color and prairie character. ## Siting and Soil Full sun brings out the strongest coloration and helps keep the stems upright. Intrinsic recommends average soil; big bluestem as a species tolerates a broad range of soil conditions and resists drought once established. Leave room for the mature clump and avoid overly rich or persistently wet sites that can weaken grass stems. ## Maintenance Keep the seed heads through winter if you want their structure, then cut the previous year’s stems back before new growth. [Intrinsic Introductions](https://intrinsicintroductions.com/index.php/plants/grasses/item/andropogon-blackhawks) · [US plant patent PP27,949](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP27949P2/en) · [NCSU Extension species guidance](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/andropogon-gerardi/common-name/big-bluestem/)