Question
QUESTION: I have a shrub in my yard that has like 4 spines on the limbs, eliptical fine toothed leaves that are opposite each other and aproximately 1 and 3/4 inches long. this shrub turns redish in the fall and produces teardrop shaped berries. in spring it has small white flowers on it. I can find absolutely NO information on it and have no idea what it is. do you have any idea?

ANSWER: Hi Melissa,

You neglected to say what color the berries are.  The fact that it changes color in fall, produces teardrop shaped berries, and white flowers, along with serrated leaves would make me think of one of the many Viburnums.  I am attaching a picture of one. Some Viburnums have red berries and some change to black.  

Another would be Kopsia.  I would also check the rose family - it could be a type of wild plum or some type of Haw.  It could be anything.  If you could send a picture, or barring that, a thorough description of the shrub and the area where it's growing, I will try to help you.  I need to know where you live, the form of the shrub (whether it is upright in habit or drooping, etc), the size, color of fruit, and any other characteristics that you notice. What color is the bark?  Is it smooth or does it slough off or peel?  Is the plant in sun or shade?  Do the leaves have an odor when crushed?

Another suggestion would be to take a small branch or 2 to your local nursery or co-operative extension agent for identification.

Thanking you,
Susan Tabor



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QUESTION: the bark on the main trunk is brown and rough but the bark on the limbs is green with 4 brown fins running the length of it the berries are red tear drop shape and stay red throughout the winter. the plant is about 4 feet high and in full sun. my son has the same type of bush but his is almost 8 feet high. We live in NH in the central portion of the state. the flowers are very small in singular or groups of 3.The leaves have no odor when crushed. The shrub is upright and does not sag even when covered with berries. The berries are also about the size of a pencil eraser.

Answer
Hi Melissa,

Thank you for your detailed description.  I believe you might have a winged Euonymus (Euonymus alatus).  It is also sometimes called Burning Bush, because of it's fall color.  Type the Latin name into Google images, look at several of the photos at different times of the year.  If this is not your shrub, let me know and we'll try again.

Thanks,

Susan