This summer these things were popping up all over along my driveway. I can't remember ever seeing them before. Kind of scraggly shrubs, about 3 feet tall. Any ideas what they might be? (not the best pictures, I know.)

Compare with dogbane ( apocynum sp.)
I'd keep it as a butterfly host plant...

I agree, Dogbane ... it looks a lot like Spreading dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium) or possibly Hemp Dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum)

I see that there are a few found in Washington state: http://biology.burkemuseum.org...

Well, this does look like it's a dogbane of some sort. Several are native to this area so I'll have to do a little sleuthing to figure out which one it is for sure. Thanks for your help - I'm happy to know that it's a butterfly magnet as well. We had a ton of butterflies here this summer, possibly helped along by the presence of these little shrubs. (along with the bumper crop of wild milkweed we had)