‘Blackhawks’ Big Bluestem grows to a flowering height of 5′ in hot, dry, infertile soils but risks flopping over in soils that are too rich and moist. This grass thrives on neglect in full sun locations and even has a moderate salt tolerance. In August the green foliage starts to turn red which will eventually change to a dark almost black color. It has turkey foot shaped seed heads that dance in the wind in the fall. ‘Blackhawks’ Big Bluestem will self-seed in favorable conditions, growing into tight clumps with shortly branching rhizomes and deep, fibrous roots. It is a warm-season grass which means it doesn’t start putting on growth until later in the season, giving the cool-season grasses and forbs a chance to grow and flower before it dominates the habitat. Big Bluestem is an important food source for granivorous birds, the caterpillars of several species of skippers, katydids, and grasshoppers, as well as providing much needed cover for wildlife. Sources: Native Ferns, Moss, & Grasses by William Cullina Gardening with Grasses by Michael King and Piet Oudolf Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Steven Foster and James A. Duke Missouri Botanical Garden Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Illinois Wildflowers National Park Service
