Big Bluestem is a large, beautiful, a warm-season grass that features bluish-green summer foliage turning a deep reddish-purple in the fall.  By late-summer this midwestern prairie grass shoot up to 8 feet in height and develops seed heads resembling a turkey's foot.
 
Although Big Bluestem is clump forming and easy to maintain, it self-seeds and looks best with room to spread.  It works great as a vertical accent or specimen planting, or a privacy screen.  
 
It's also great along ponds and, because of its extensive root system--up to 10 feet deep--often is used on slopes for erosion control.  
 
Big Blue tolerates salt and deer browsing.  Cutting it to the ground in winter can help maintain its shape.