Big Bluestem Blackhawks

‘Blackhawks’ grass is the 2026 Perennial Plant of the Year! This striking native ornamental grass features bold, upright form and rich, dramatic color. Its foliage shifts from deep green to smoky purple and finally to intense purplish-black in fall. In late summer, distinctive three parted seedheads often called turkeyfoot blooms rise above the foliage, adding texture and lasting winter interest. Drought tolerant, deer resistant, and low maintenance, it adds long-lasting beauty and movement to any sunny landscape.

• Brings strong vertical structure, dramatic color and movement to the landscape
• Pairs beautifully with Rudbeckia, Aster and Sedum
• Plant in groups to create dramatic sweeps of color and movement
• Provides shelter for birds and serves as a larval host for several butterfly species
• Drought tolerant, once established
• Deer resistant
• Blooms (plumes) late summer into fall
• Full Sun
• 5' tall by 2' wide
• Perennial
• Zone: 3 to 9