By Mary Jane Frogge, Extension Associate in Lancaster County
The 2026 Perennial Plant of the Year is ‘Blackhawks’ big bluestem. The foliage emerges dark green, turning reddish-purple as the summer arrives. In mid-summer, the “turkeyfoot” inflorescences appear and by September, the plant takes on a deep purple hue. More compact than other big bluestem cultivars, ‘Blackhawks’ is five feet tall and two feet wide.
Big bluestem is a dominant native grass in North America’s tallgrass prairies. Its leaves and stems provide cover and nesting material for birds and serve as a larval food source for several species of skippers. It will remain a single, dense clump but may reseed in the garden. Plant with blue pitcher sage, black-eyed Susan and asters.
For more information about ‘Blackhawks’ big bluestem and the Perennial Plant Association visit https://perennialplant.org.