Here is more info:
The stems grow out of the center of the plant. After a couple of years the stems are very woody near the center, less woody, more flexible near the end of the stem. The stem or tendrils (?) grow about 3 feet long. The 'leaves' are not leaves they are feathery, similar to the foliage of the California poppy or the foliage of artemisia [image-http://www.erowid.org/plants/show_image.php?i=wormwood/artemisia_absinthium_leaf__i2004e0149_disp.jpg]
At the end of the season, seed pods from all along the tendril.

Appreciate any idea, or a website of images of herbs.

thanks,
ellen

Seed pods? Is there a flower? A description of that may help bunches!

FataMorgana

hi,
no flowers.

ellen

Ellen,
It sounds like fennel to me. Does it smell a bit like licorice? Try googling fennel and see if that is it.

I found it!
It is Southernwood, also known as Southern Wormwood. In the Artemisia family. [Duh - why it resembles my other artemisia, Wormwood.] The smell is of camphor. Doesn't sound pleasant, but if you like aromatic herbs I recommend it. I love the smell.
Here is a picture. http://www.naturephoto-cz.com/field-wormwood:artemisia-campestris-photo-6385.html

Thanks to all who tried to help me. It was driving me crazy! I knew when I was sitting in the libe going thru an herb book, and smelling the aroma (in my mind), it had gone too far.

ellen