Andropogon ternarius 'Black Mountain'
Black Mountain Bluestem
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‘Black Mountain’ puts this underappreciated native grass squarely in the spotlight. Andropogon ternarius varies across its natural range, growing up to 5’ tall in some areas. ‘Black Mountain’ has stayed at 3’ or under and is more compact and refined than the species. Flowering stems emerge blue green and develop pink and red hues later in summer. The inflorescences have spikelets covered in silvery, white hairs. The effect is shimmering white tufts that contrast with the stems and sparkle in the sunlight.
Terry Dalton, Sustainable Landscape Curator at the North Carolina Arboretum, shared this selection with us. He noticed an unusual stand of A. ternarius in his family’s pasture in Black Mountain, NC. It almost didn’t happen—his father usually kept that section mowed but skipped it that season. Terry collected seed and grew it out. He’s been using this selection for years at the arboretum and thinks it’s even tougher than its close cousin, Schizachyrium scoparium. Terry’s family has lived in Black Mountain for five generations, so we named his find in honor of this special place.
As with the species, ‘Black Mountain’ thrives in poor soils that are coarse, rocky, or sandy, and it’s not fussy about pH. It’s perfect for tough spots, lending itself equally well to urban landscapes and ecological plantings.
Zone
6-9
Growth Cycle
Warm
Features
- Native to North America
- Our Favorites
- Notable Fall Color
- Drought Tolerant
- Erosion control
- Meadow/Prairie Plantings
GROWER INFO & TIPS
- Growth rate: medium
- Grow in 1, 2 or 3-gallon containers
- Grow in well-drained soil
- Water needs: keep evenly moist-dry; avoid overwatering
- Fertilizing: use a slow release, low-rate fertilizer; avoid over fertilizing
- Possible pests: aphids, leaf spot, spidermites, spittlebugs, rust
- Overwintering: cold frame with clear poly, keep dry
- Responds well to being cut back
- Overfertilization may cause weak growth, flopping, and reduced resistance to insects or diseases.
*Note: please adapt these suggestions as needed to accommodate your local conditions.
LANDSCAPING INFO
- More compact and tidier-looking than the species
- Drought tolerant, native grass
- Showy, white seed heads in fall
- Beautiful when inflorescences backlit by the sun
- Low maintenance and tolerant of poor soils
- Provides food and cover for birds
