The last of the colorful leaves on our Buffalo River walk a few days ago...the second is a dogwood for sure, the first may be strawberry bush
Celastraceae (Bittersweet Family)
This airy, deciduous shrub grows 6-12 ft. tall. Its ridged twigs become purplish when exposed to the sun. Pale green flowers with purple stamens have five, distinct clawed petals. Bright green, oval leaves become dark red in fall when bright red fruits open to reveal orange seeds.
I wish I had gone closer to check for sure. We saw several of those and dogwoods scattered through the woods...small blazes of color
"We're all just walking each other home." -Ram Dass
"Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder."-Rumi
"It's all one song!" -Neil Young