stone & kentPfeiffer may be onto something. I don't know if Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) grows in your area but it sure reminds me of one we used to have growing right by the walkway. I had hubby dig it out a year or so ago because it kept encroaching on the walking area.
~ I'm an old gal who still loves playing in the dirt!
~ Playing in the dirt is my therapy ... and I'm in therapy a lot!