This year my planting areas all around my house are covered with Joe Pye weed. I do not know why. How can this happen?

Question

I have never seen the plant before, did not plant it, but it is thick all around my house. The plants are almost 5 -6 feet tall. Some are beginning to spread out at the top and look like they are about to flower. I live in Poquoson, VA.

Answer 1

They can self seed and it sounds like this happened at your place.

Remove the seed heads to reduce this from happening again.
You can dig up the plants and remove.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/joe-pye-weed/growing-joe-pye-weed.htm