I can't see it well, but based on "lavender-like" and "herb fragrance", I'll suggest Adenostoma fasciculatum; one of the common names is greasewood.

Thanks for suggestion. Looked it up and think the plant I'm looking at differs. I'm attaching a second pic. My camera doesn't want to give me a good closeup, but I can add that among many individuals I've seen, none is taller than 18-24 inches (branches with leaves), and all have slender flower stalks that rise 6-8 inches higher. I love the fragrance, but can't place it as something I'm familiar with back east.

Artemisia tridentata or a close relative

That's it! Thank you very much for identifying/replying!

Definitely the Artemisia...in your first pic I thought the leaves were more needle like...