The quest for a tall, structural grass that delivers both dramatic seasonal color and genuine ecological benefits often ends in disappointment with generic ornamental varieties that flop, fade, or fail to establish. For the discerning gardener seeking a true native standout that commands attention from mid-summer through the first hard frost, the choice narrows to a single, exceptional cultivar.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. My expertise comes from years of studying horticultural data, comparing the germination rates and mature dimensions of prairie grass cultivars, and analyzing thousands of aggregated owner experiences across North America.
Whether you are establishing a native meadow, filling a large border, or creating a wildlife corridor, this guide focuses exclusively on the very best options to help you find the ideal big bluestem blackhawk for your landscape goals and growing conditions.
How To Choose The Best Big Bluestem Blackhawk
The ‘Blackhawks’ cultivar of Big Bluestem has unique traits that set it apart from the straight species. Making the right choice requires understanding its growth habit, propagation method, and how it fits into your landscape scale.
Live Plant vs. Seed: Immediate Impact or Large Scale
A live plant in a #1 container, like the Perennial Farm Marketplace offering, gives you a season head start and guarantees the exact genetic expression of the ‘Blackhawks’ cultivar with its burgundy-black foliage. Seed is more cost-effective for covering large areas like meadows or erosion control projects, but you must source pure seed from a reputable supplier to avoid generic Big Bluestem.
Understanding the Color Transition
‘Blackhawks’ is known for foliage that starts green in spring and transitions to deep burgundy-black in mid-summer, with maroon flower stems appearing in late summer. Do not expect the dramatic color until the plant is well-established and receiving full sun — shade will significantly reduce the intensity of the dark pigmentation.
Soil Moisture and Stature
This cultivar can reach 5 to 7 feet in flower, but in rich, moist soil it is more prone to flopping. For the most upright, self-supporting habit, plant in well-drained to dryish soil. If your site is heavy clay or consistently damp, expect a taller but potentially looser form that may need staking.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perennial Farm Marketplace ‘Blackhawks’ | Live Plant | Immediate burgundy color | 7 ft flower height | Amazon |
| Hale Habitat Big Bluestem Seed | Pure Seed | Large acreage habitat | 2 lbs covers 1/4 acre | Amazon |
| Outsidepride Big Bluestem Seed (1 lb) | Pure Seed | Erosion control & meadows | 6 ft plant height | Amazon |
| Outsidepride Tall Grass Mix | Seed Mix | Diverse native habitat | 4 species blend | Amazon |
| Perennial Farm ‘Elijah Blue’ Fescue | Live Plant | Low border edging | 10 inch height | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Perennial Farm Marketplace ‘Blackhawks’ (Live Plant)
This is the definitive cultivar for anyone seeking the specific ‘Blackhawks’ genetic traits. Shipped as a live #1 container plant fully rooted and ready for immediate planting, it offers a massive head start over seed-grown specimens. The foliage transitions from green in early spring to its signature deep burgundy-black by mid-summer, with maroon flower stems reaching a commanding 5 to 7 feet overall height.
Hardy in USDA Zones 4-9 and highly deer resistant, this plant thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. The color intensity is directly tied to sunlight exposure — less than full sun results in a less dramatic dark pigment. It is also a native cultivar, making it an excellent choice for pollinator support and ecological landscaping.
One key consideration for planting is that this cultivar requires at least 24 inches of spacing to reach its full architectural form. In fertile, moisture-retentive soil it may flop; drier conditions produce a sturdier, more upright presentation. The bloom period in August and September provides late-season drama exactly when many other perennials are fading.
What works
- True ‘Blackhawks’ genetic trait for purple-black foliage
- Large container plant establishes quickly in the landscape
- Exceptional late-summer maroon flower display
What doesn’t
- Shipping restrictions to several western states
- Less dramatic color in partial shade conditions
2. Hale Habitat & Seed Big Bluestem Grass Seed (2 lbs)
For those covering significant acreage — whether for deer habitat, wildlife corridors, or large-scale prairie restoration — this 2-pound bag of pure live seed is a focused solution. Certified seed ensures maximum germination rates, and the Big Bluestem grows to heights of 7 to 8 feet, providing the dense vertical cover that whitetail deer and other wildlife rely on.
Each bag plants approximately 1/4 acre, making the cost per square foot extremely efficient for large projects. The seed is GMO-free and suited to sandy soils in full sun. It can be frost-seeded in late winter or sown in spring or fall, offering flexibility in planting windows.
This is straight species Big Bluestem, not the ‘Blackhawks’ cultivar, so you will get the classic blue-green summer color transitioning to reddish-copper in fall, as well as the iconic turkey-foot seed heads. If your primary goal is wildlife habitat rather than the specific purple-black foliage trait, this is the most efficient path.
What works
- Certified pure live seed ensures high germination
- 2 lbs covers a full 1/4 acre economically
- Excellent deer and wildlife habitat cover
What doesn’t
- Not the ‘Blackhawks’ cultivar — standard green-blue summer color
- Requires proper site prep for best establishment
3. Outsidepride Big Bluestem Grass Seed (1 lb)
Outsidepride’s heirloom Big Bluestem seed is the entry-point for gardeners wanting to establish a native prairie patch, control erosion on a slope, or fill a large flower bed with ornamental grass. The seed is sourced as an heirloom variety of Andropogon gerardii, meaning it retains the full genetic diversity of the native species rather than a selected cultivar.
With a recommended seeding rate of 1 to 1.5 pounds per 1,000 square feet, this single pound bag covers a substantial area. The plants will reach 4 to 7 feet tall, displaying the classic blue-green foliage in summer before turning vivid reddish-copper in fall. It is suited for USDA Zones 4-9 and performs best in full sun to partial shade.
This is the species-level grass, not the ‘Blackhawks’ cultivar, so you will not get the specific burgundy-black foliage trait. However, for general ornamental use, erosion control, and biodiversity benefits, it is an extremely affordable and reliable option that produces the full prairie aesthetic.
What works
- Heirloom seed retains full species genetic diversity
- Excellent erosion control and soil stabilization
- Low moisture needs once established
What doesn’t
- Not the selected ‘Blackhawks’ cultivar
- Seeds require consistent moisture during germination
4. Outsidepride Tall Native Grass Seed Mix (1 lb)
This blend takes the single-species approach and expands it into a genuine prairie ecosystem. The mix contains 25% each of Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Switchgrass, and Indian Grass — four of the most iconic warm-season native grasses of the North American tallgrass prairie. Each species occupies a different niche, creating a self-sustaining, diverse habitat.
The Big Bluestem component provides the tall structural element, while Little Bluestem offers lower-growing blue-green color, Switchgrass adds a softer texture, and Indian Grass brings golden seed heads. This diversity supports a wider range of pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects compared to a monoculture. The recommended seeding rate is just 1/2 pound per 1,000 square feet.
This mix is ideal for those who want a naturalistic meadow look with low maintenance — no mowing, fertilizing, or excessive watering needed once established. However, if your goal is specifically the ‘Blackhawks’ cultivar’s burgundy-black foliage, this mix will not deliver that specific color trait, as it uses standard species seed.
What works
- Four native species create a resilient, diverse habitat
- Attracts a wide range of wildlife and pollinators
- Low seeding rate offers excellent coverage value
What doesn’t
- Does not contain ‘Blackhawks’ cultivar genetics
- Take two years for full visual impact
5. Perennial Farm Marketplace ‘Elijah Blue’ Fescue (Live Plant)
While not a Big Bluestem at all, the ‘Elijah Blue’ fescue fills an important complementary role in the ornamental grass landscape. This compact, clump-forming fescue reaches only 8 to 10 inches tall with fine, tufted blue-gray foliage that maintains its color throughout the growing season. It is a perfect ground-cover or edging plant for the front of a border.
Hardy in USDA Zones 4-8, this plant is highly deer resistant and thrives in full sun. It pairs beautifully with warm-toned perennials like red, pink, or yellow flowering plants, creating a sharp color contrast. The plant is fully rooted in its #1 container and ready for immediate planting.
If you are creating a layered native grass display with Big Bluestem as the tall backdrop, the ‘Elijah Blue’ fescue provides a dense, low-texture foreground that will not compete with the taller species. Its blue-gray foliage also echoes the late-season blue tones of Big Bluestem seed heads, providing a cohesive aesthetic.
What works
- Compact 10-inch height ideal for border edging
- Striking blue-gray foliage color all season
- Highly deer resistant and low maintenance
What doesn’t
- Shipping restrictions to several western states
- Not a Big Bluestem — much smaller stature
Hardware & Specs Guide
Mature Height Expectations
Big Bluestem ‘Blackhawks’ in flower reaches 5 to 7 feet, with the foliage clump alone holding at 24-30 inches. Standard species Big Bluestem can reach 7 to 8 feet. This height difference is significant for placement: ‘Blackhawks’ works well in mid-border, while species seed suits the back of a large bed or meadow.
Color Transition Cycle
The ‘Blackhawks’ cultivar is defined by its color evolution: spring foliage is green, shifting to deep burgundy-black by mid-summer, followed by maroon inflorescences in August-September. Standard Big Bluestem transitions from blue-green summer leaves to reddish-copper in fall. Seed mixes will produce the standard species color cycle, not the dark cultivar trait.
FAQ
Can I get ‘Blackhawks’ color from seed?
Will my Big Bluestem flop over?
How long does it take to establish from seed?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the big bluestem blackhawk winner is the Perennial Farm Marketplace ‘Blackhawks’ live plant because it guarantees the specific burgundy-black foliage trait and maroon flower display that set this cultivar apart from standard Big Bluestem. If you want to cover a large area for wildlife habitat, grab the Hale Habitat & Seed pure Big Bluestem seed. And for a diverse, low-maintenance meadow with multiple native grass species, nothing beats the Outsidepride Tall Grass Mix.