My Loblolly Pines have red/orange roots. :)

Pam

Excellent, thank you for solving the mystery! There was just such a diversity of trees to check. - John

mulberry also have saffron colored roots.

Mahonia/ grape hollies have orangy roots.

At least I know it was not poisionous. My lab had a great time digging/tearing it out of the ground and tossing it around the yard. Two days later and she is still around. She is such a big help.

My apple trees roots are orange and when I move them my german sheppard barks and crys and tries to pull me away if I try to pull it out, I think its from pipes ...