Looks as if you’ll need to try again when it flowers.

Resembles Conyza. These are frequently asked about here.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=conyza&qpvt=conyza&form=IARRSM&first=1&scenario=ImageBasicHover

Not really seeing the resemblance myself. This one’s not hairy for a start. Leaves untoothed and sparser. Flowers much sparser. Single raceme rather than multi branched. Leaflet to every bud.

Where are you?

OP states they're in N Virginia z6b.

eta that’s weird. Location has disappeared.

could it be some Solidago?

the shape of the flower stalk would change after the pruning.

and the main stem looks too woody for a short lived thing like Conyza

That was my thought, a goldenrod, but somewhere along 50% chance of certainty without flowers.

I really want a close up of these flower buds. I can’t even seen if they’re Asteraceae or not.

Thank you!

Looks like a Solidago/Oligoneuron species to me. There are 35 species in Virginia. It's difficult to get an exact ID. Can you see if these lower leaves are minutely toothed or smooth? They aren't very clear in the photo. Or, wait a couple days until it's in bloom and get the flowers and lower leaves, if you want a species ID. I'm by no means a goldenrod expert,🥴 but I know a few people that are.