these are the coiled up fronds of Ostrich ferns. they like shady places with adequate water and drainage, but ferns are pretty hearty and will grow most anyplace. not all fern "fiddleheads" are edible, though, so be careful. these are only around for a very short time. cut these when the fronds first start growing, before they uncoil. you want the heads to be wound up tight. you might have them growing in a flower bed at your house. do not eat them raw. blanch and saute'.
can you imagine a bunch of kitchen hack hunter-gatherers with their own cooking show cooking deer, squirrels, ramps and such? what a riot! err,a, disaster, I mean.