There are two, quite tall native plants that are flowering this week. They both have a red-hued inflorescence atop a tall stem and with similarly lanceolate leaves. To a casual viewer only seeing one of the two confusion as to which they are looking at is possible - and indeed, happens, as a recent conversation demonstrated.
Here they are, fortuitously growing side by side - never mistake them again. Joe Pye Weed and Swamp Milkweed
Very helpful! My swamp milkweed regularly grows to 4ft tall but i believe she's an anomaly!
Thanks. My 'Joe Pye Weed' must be something else, as it has white flowers. Valerian, maybe?