Andropogon, Big Bluestem, Turkeyfoot
Andropogongerardii 'Blackhawks'

Family: Poaceae (poh-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Andropogon (an-dro-POH-gon)
Species: gerardii (jer-AR-dee-eye)
Cultivar: Blackhawks

Category
Ornamental Grasses and Bamboo
Perennials

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Foliage
Grown for foliage

Foliage Color
Burgundy/Maroon
Dark/Black

Height
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)

Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)

Where to Grow
Grow outdoors year-round in hardiness zone

Danger
N/A

Bloom Color
Fuchsia (red-purple)

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Summer/Early Fall

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information

Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors

Seed Collecting