I think those were probably "walking iris". Did they have a white blossom with a blue/brown center about the size of a silver dollar? I have these "coming out my ears" so to speak and if you e-mail me, I'll send you a few. I have to bring them inside for the winter and I'm in 6/7 so you may have to experiment with one or two out and one or two in. Marian

It's a Chamaedorea elegans The small stem with circular knobs was probably a flower

Sure looks like the much dreaded Eleagnus umbellata to me. Your state is one where this plant has become a problem. Thank you for having the right attitude about planting known invasives.....the rest of us really appreciate it. It's shocking to me how many people have the " I can do whatever I want in my yard!" attitude. Check for native species to provide food and shelter for wildlife. Do you want some help with that? Click for Native Plants forum Information about Autumn Olive

As Laceyvail said, location is important, but in this part of the country that would be an ostrich fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris.