Thanks to Christy, I've discovered that my mystery weed isn't a weed at all, but a medicinal herb called "Chinese Lantern Plant." There are fruits inside the orange lanterns that have twice the vitamin C as lemons and are used to treat fever and gout. Plus, you can add the fruits to pies and preserves. Be forewarned: Don't eat the fruit until they are ripe in the fall; otherwise they are, well, poisonous.
If you're not brave enough to eat Chinese lanterns, you can dry the plants and use them in floral arrangements. Either way, I can't believe I almost pulled them up. I may never weed again.
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