Huntersville in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Nature's Treasures Found Here
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 29, 2026
1. Nature's Treasures Found Here Marker
Pawpaw (Asimina trioba)
They pawpaw holds the crowns as North America's largest native tree fruit a creamy, custard-like treasure hiding in plain sight. Long before it became a foodie obsession, the pawpaw quietly nourished Indigenous communities, frontier families, and generations of foragers who knew where to look.
Naturally an understory tree, the pawpaw thrives in the dappled shade of forests across the eastern United States. While heavily shaded trees tend to produce fewer fruits, given partial to full sun, a pawpaw will reward you with a generous harvest.
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
The spicebush is a valuable native understory shrub that flourishes in the woodland environments of the Piedmont. Its crushed leaves release a delightful lemon-spice fragrance and in early spring, it showcases clusters of small yellow flowers that provide nectar for various pollinators. The vibrant red fruit is not only enjoyed by wildlife, but was also utilized as a spice by early settlers. Once dried and crushed, the red berries add a flavorful, savory touch to culinary dishes. You can find Spicebush spice available for
this page online
Erected 2026 by HEARTS Collaborative Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Food & Drink • Horticulture & Forestry • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 35° 24.432′ N, 80° 53.189′ W. Marker is in Huntersville, North Carolina, in Mecklenburg County. It is on Gilead Road 0.1 miles west of Old Store Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8231 Gilead Rd, Huntersville NC 28078, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont and in Greater Charlotte. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 29, 2026
2. Nature's Treasures Found Here Marker on the west side of Hugh Torance House and Store
Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2026, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 2, 2026, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Left intro/sidebar text • Can you help?
