Wow, that was a quick reply! Looks like it may be Smilax ecirrhata, it is native to Michigan. Thanks jaynine for your help. This quote might explain why it disappeared: "Populations of this plant are threatened by the overpopulation of White-tailed Deer", from http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/plants/up_carrionflw.html - there are lots of deer in this nature center. This post was edited by westmichiganflorafau on Wed, Jan 21, 15 at 7:40

Images of 'Heatherbun'. http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=heatherbun&qpvt=heatherbun&qpvt=heatherbun&FORM=IGRE

Assuming this is Oncosiphon,some people asked for seeds and I would be glad to provide some but have no idea how to get seeds. I'm not a real gardener, just wanted to know the name of this plant that is all over the foothills north of Phoenix. So if someone could give me a few instructions re how to collect seeds I would be happy to send some off when they are ready. thanks Caroline (OP) Cave Creek AZ

Yes, it is a hebe, possibly 'Paula', although there are many cultivars with a similar appearance. All hebes have some degree of toxicity (as do the vast majority of plants) but it would not be one I'd worry about. But then no dog I have ever owned has grazed on any outdoor plants other than some grass and I grow a huge number of quite toxic plants if dogs were to bother to eat them..........they don't!! Once they are out of the puppy stage, I think they just know better.