In The Garden: burgundy leaves/lacy flower

I live in the midwest, USA. I have a plant that appeared this year in several places along our fence abutting neighbors to the north (and downhill). I can see some of the same plant in their yard. (Cannot ask about the plant because the woman has had a stroke.)
The plant started on a stem with many pointed leaves. The leaves grew to about 70cms or more and the plant grew to nearly 3 ft. with additional stems. The leaves turned burgundy; lacy, white flowers appeared. (Almost makes me think of the hydrangea family - lady in red). The flowers have turned to fuzz and blow in the wind like dandelions. Could this plant be more than a weed, though?

 

Could you post a picture of the plant, please.

 

Sounds like something in the aster family, you'll have both native species and weedy species there that are potential candidates.

 

Thanks for your response.
I will wait until spring and post a picture.

 

Could be Conyza. How large were the flowers? Conyza's flowers are small, usually around 5 mm.

 

Eupatorium rugosum 'Chocolate' self-sowing, perhaps?