I have Eupatoruium maculatum "Gateway" which is only supposed to be 4-5 feet tall. Last year it was close to 8!

I've heard if you cut it back in late spring/ early summer you can keep it to a manageable size.

In the two years I've had it, it seems to attract more small be and wasp type nectarers than butterflies (although it did attract a good number of monarchs pre-migration). So far, as a butterfly garden plant I'd give it a 'MEH' (I'm in Minnesota so you may find more luck with butterflies in your area) Tony

Mine got huge too (maybe that is why "weed" is part of its name!) I moved and dug out most of my plants for my new house, but left ole' Joe Pye. Too big and not particularly attractive. If you don't have a lot of space, I'd choose something else. (sorry I don't know which particular Joe Pye I had.)

I have all 3. The purpureum is in the shade since it will tolerate it. I have it back with the spicebush, hoping it will provide some nectar for spicebush swallowtails if they ever bother to show up at my house. Since it is in the shade, it gets little activity.

The fistulosum is shorter than the maculatum. I've gotten a few good butterfly pics on the fistulosum but the maculatum is the clear winner in my book. My maculatum gets lots of business. Got very tall last year vs other years. It will be much shorter this year because we have gotten little rain.

KC