It looks like you're both right. Thank you SO much! This particular forum is incredibly helpful. And I'm amazed at how knowledgeable everyone is. I'll probably post another question tomorrow. Thanks again!

LOL...what a mystery without a picture but the first thing that popped into my mind was False Solomon's Seal. With Jacks the berries do not seem to palitable to animals and birds (just my guess cuz nothing ever touches all the jacks in my yard) but with the FSS the berries tend to fall or get eaten and they are often left with just one or two on the tip that had not ripened at the time of the feast and they ripen later. FSS leaves can also look pretty sad by this time of year as well. Can't wait to see the photo to see who might have hit the nail on the head. ;o) Barb southern Ontario, CANADA zone 6a

Would have to be something with persistent fruits, such as certain crabs. Mountain ash (or hawthorn) I don't know would still have fruit this late.

I have been looking for one to plant, not seen one available at the few local nurseries/farmer's markets/other home growers/walmart/biltmore/etc. Here I typically see them in old plantings (historical buildings, circa 1890-1950) growing up walls. It provides a beautiful show in the fall and winter, I don't mind thorns.