In response to Steve's question I did some research, which yielded the name and details of the plant.
The orange "leaves" are seedpods from last year's growth. It is an invasive plant in this area.

This plant was identified for me through the generous help of Rebecca Alexander of the
Elizabeth C. Miller Library ( http://depts.washington.edu/hortlib/index.shtml ) of
the University of Washington's Botanical Gardens ( http://depts.washington.edu/urbhort/ ).

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