Andropogon gerardii 'Indian Warrior'

Tall, strictly upright clump of green foliage that begins to take on dusky purple tones as early as midsummer. 
In late summer, glossy deep purple, three-branched inflorescences that vaguely resemble a turkey’s foot are produced on reddish stems.  When they first open, tiny bright red-orange pollen sacs dangle from the flowers and are quite visible even from a distance. 
As the cooler weather arrives, the foliage transitions from green to a deep smoky purple with red highlights, becoming enrobed in a shroud of purple by mid-fall.  

Dubbed the “monarch of the prairie”, this native grass was once the dominant component of the American tallgrass prairie.  It adapts easily to a wide range of soil and moisture conditions as long as full sun is provided.  This long-lived grass has a variety of uses including screening, naturalizing, restoring prairies, and nesting materials for birds and mammals.
Height:  5-6 Feet
Spread:  2 Feet
Flower Color: Purple shades
Foliage Color:  Green/purple shades
Sun or Shade?:  Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)

*Photo and info courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.