Interesting Leaf (or Seed) Group For Which I Can't Identify The Parent

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Hi All!
For the last couple of weeks, several unusual (to me) seed or leaf groups have been showing up in my backyard. (Photos attached)
While trying to identify their parents, I've searched images quite a bit on line and am completely stumped. Do any of you recognize the plant from which these originated?

Although they look like leaves, close inspection makes me think they are seeds. The house sparrows sure seem to like poking and tearing at them! -Again making me think seeds are involved.

What is interesting is that I've lived here for about 35 years and never saw any of these in the past. Also of note is that they didn't start showing up until January, which I found odd since January in Michigan is cold enough that plants aren't actively producing seeds or leaves.

They're easy to spot laying on top of the snow and are light enough to blow around readily in the wind.

Around here, the only trees I see are maples, oaks and one elm, so that's no help. Glancing in neighbors' yards doesn't reveal any bushes or ornamental grasses with these seed groups.

They are each about 6" long and 4" diameter at the base. Also note that the stems look snapped off, as opposed to squirrel chews. Today is about 0 Degrees-F and a bunch more showed up, so I wonder if cold is snapping them off the plant.


And my dog buddy also finds them quite interesting to sniff.

Thanks For Helping me learn!
Enjoy This Day!
Paul
 

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Hi PGB1. They look like dead Hydrangea flowers to me. I wonder if they've blown off a neighbour's compost heap after being snipped off?
 
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Thanks Sheal!
To be honest, until you replied and I looked up hydrangea, I had no idea what a hydrangea was. After looking at photos, these mystery items certainly do resemble the shape & clustering of what I saw.
Thanks Again for sharing your knowledge.
Be Sure To Enjoy Today!
Paul
 

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