Nope, definitely not Euonymus europaeus. The berries weren't arranged or as numerous as on the photos I looked at of the euonymous. The leaves on this tree were thick and waxy, very glossy. I'm certain it was an evergreen. I'm sure it gets more beautiful in my memory as the time goes on :-) It probably was some type of holly. I don't think it was a Yaupon holly. The edges of the leaves seemed to be reflexed back. For all I know, it wouldn't grow in either PA or FL, so if I never ID it, I'll survive. But I do appreciate all the knowledge and guesses shared. Sorry I didn't take that photo! Marcia

Sherry: You inspired me to hunt for acorns today. I went to a place where there are condos and lots of trees. In less than an hour, I collected several ziploc bags of acorns and a bag of hickory nuts. I took a camera so I could do what you did (take photos of the oaks) but this place hires people to blow leaves (and acorns) off the roads so you don't really know which acorns came from which tree. I've gone through my tree ID books but still have questions. Alabama: Thanks for the advice about soaking acorns. I need to figure out which are red oaks v. white oaks so I can get the white oaks planted ASAP. One group look like the acorns Sherry posted above. * Longleaf Pines Alabama: Our county forester is coming to do a site visit on Wednesday re: longleaf pines. (yeah!!!) Although the VA state nursery didn't offer longleaf seedlings this year as planned, he said he can get seedlings - I need to decide how many I need. After I learn more, I may post on the Conifers forum - this is such an important issue in the Southeast. Last month, Virginia had a two day conference about re-establishing longleaf pines. I'll bet the same thing is going on all over this region. I'll always be grateful to you for telling me (and showing me) longleaf pines. I'm hooked. Take care, Pam

Marcia, not all holly varieties have thorny serrated edges. My dahoon holly (no prickers) is covered in red clusters of berries but what you described isn't dahoon. Might be a real healthy Savannah holly..another big berry producer but then again, Savannah isn't exactly small glossy green leaves. Maybe a dwarf burfordii holly? Glossy dark green leaves but not small like vinca minor.

Alisande, I doubt he'd be after me, I drive a Honda Civic. Yes, I am very careful usually when I stop, but after a big old cup of coffee I needed to stop. All of the other rest stops are actually much brighter and safer to stop at, also with more cars. I guess I'll just stop at a gas station. Funny story, once when I was with my DD and she was about 13 years old I wanted to stop at this store in my hometown called Transformations because I liked the glittery gowns in the window. Yup, the "lady" working there was not a lady. We didn't buy anything, lol.