Wow, ya learn something new everyday!!!! I always thought that they were some sort of sandspur that hasnt fully developed. When I would see them any where I would pull them cause I have dealt with sandspurs before and they are NO fun LOL

I assume this is Box Elder? Image link:

I tried to comment earlier but I didn't see it go through, so apologies if this winds up a duplicate. If it is Sage, it is not a variety I'm familiar with. The leaves are a little waxy and have zero fragrance. The plant has more of a tendency to spread out along the ground and creep: it first sends shoots straight up, but they lie down as soon as they reach a certain size (not even a very big size) , then lie flat and continue to grow along the ground. It seems to have a taproot. I took a photo of it next to my sage bush for comparison, it usually grows more flat like pictured. It could be Sage, I just wouldn't be familiar with what variety. Right now it's growing several feet out onto my sidewalk in mat form.

Don't recall the the name but I believe it is edible.