I think that what all of this discussion proves is that a picture is NOT
worth a thousand words. A fuller description of the plant with the first
question would have lead to less floundering around on the part of those of
us trying to help you. Your terms "looked unusual" and "a bit unfriendly"
are not very useful descriptors.

Gene

Colin Wetherbee wrote:

The quite possibly wise Gene Newcomb was heard saying:
You might however take a look at the following URL.

http://www.cnr.vt.edu/dendro/dendrol.../ohorridum.htm

It's a close match in appearance, but the description (particularly, "3
to 12 feet tall" and "armed with fine, irritating prickles") seems to be
incorrect for the plant pictured.

Thank you very much for your help, though.

Colin

--
Colin W. Wetherbee
http://hydrogen.denterprises.org/