I can now safely estimate there are more than 100 in this group, ranging in size from single leaf on up to 9 of them at 14 to16 inches and 1 of them at 24 inches at this point. Notice the other herbaceous growth now appearing. It seems these 'weeds' play an important role with L michiganense in that they, number1, provide camouflage to the plant to avoid being eaten by rabbits and deer, and number 2, they provide necessary support to what typically is a slender stem (see last picture). Pretty unique evolution.
