Andropogon g., Blackhawks - Prairie

The Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks', grown with gothic flair right here at the garden center, is the brooding rockstar of native ornamental grasses—a dramatic selection of Big Bluestem that starts the season looking innocently green before unleashing its inner villain with foliage that darkens to deep purple and near-black by fall, like it's auditioning for a Tim Burton movie. Those upright blades emerge glossy deep green with purple hints in spring, then intensify through summer into an inky, ebony sheen that glows almost iridescent in the autumn light, topped by purplish "turkey foot" seed heads that sway mysteriously on the breeze, adding texture and winter intrigue long after the drama peaks.

Homeowners adore its versatility: plant it as a towering focal point for instant architecture, a natural privacy screen to block prying eyes (or hide that questionable lawn chair collection), a bold backdrop in perennial borders, erosion control on tricky slopes, or the star of a wildlife meadow where birds feast on seeds and nest in the sturdy clumps.

Thriving in full sun (partial shade makes it stretch awkwardly like a teenager in growth spurt), it reaches 4-6 feet tall and 2 feet wide—impressively statuesque yet well-behaved. Extremely drought-tolerant once established (practically thriving on neglect), deer-resistant, and a pollinator and bird favorite, with seed heads emerging late summer into fall. In zone 6a Indiana, this hardy native perennial (zones 3-9) delivers low-maintenance, four-season villainous charm—who knew going dark could look this good?