Here's a photo of the berries.

Looks like Euonymus...I live on the other side of the country and we don't have native Euonymus here, but Euonymus americanus is native in your area, has similar fruit and leaf arrangement, and is known for stunning fall color. Try Googling images of E. americanus and see if it resembles your shrub. You are correct, it is NOT a Nandina!

F&F - I think you were close, but after doing the searches you suggested, I now think it's Euonymus Alatus or "Burning Bush". Interestingly, it looks like it's considered an invasive species in North Carolina, but does not appear to be listed as such in Georgia.

Thanks for your help!

Here is a link that might be useful: Euonymus Alatus

Update: Looks like it IS listed in GA as a "Category 4" invasive species.

You're welcome! Sure does look like E. alatus!

Fruits are diagnostic.

yes indeed! Even at the dna level...

the winged branches are diagnostic for me .. they almost look square some times [which is rare in nature] ..... when there arent berries on it ...

and the fact that it ended up... free range in a yard.. answers just about all questions of whether it is .. or should be considered invasive ...

ken

At least one other fairly prevalent cultivated species, with different fruits has ridges on the stems.