Joe-Pye weeds (Eutrochium)

I was going to pass over the tall reddish-purple flowers on the western corner of Cloverlea/Rolandvue when the neighborhood's youngest naturalist (? second grade) happen to point them out.  He said they were hardy native plants, he has some planted in his yard.  They are a prominent feature of that corner and have been for the month of August.  Attractive for butterflies.

None of the three foraging books mention Joe Pye weed as a herb.

.  The name comes from an indian healer who used the plant frequently in colonial days. The whorled leaf pattern is typical of the Eutrochium.   Leaves are lancet, stems speckled to purple. Variations include one with a hollow stem and one with vanilla smell to the crushed leaves, plus one variety growing to 12 feet tall.  Pictures show an over view, the flower and the whorled pattern or leaves, all arising from one point on the stem.