2011 Canada $20 Swarovski Crystals - Wild Rose Fine Silver (No Tax)

Every summer, the wild rose (Rosa acicularis) comes into bloom in the Maritimes, across the continent to the lower valleys of the Rocky Mountains, and north to Nunavut.

The breathtaking show usually begins in June, but is delayed further north. Young buds appear almost red before they open to reveal vibrant pink petals with a yellow pollen-bearing stamen at their center. Pink gradually fades to white before the petals fall and the flower turns to fruit for autumn.

These “rose hips” are treasured by white-tailed deer and snowshoe hare that nimbly chew their way around the prickly barbs to eat the fruit that is rich in vitamin A, crude protein and the ascorbic acid form of vitamin C. Not only is the wild rose beautiful, it is also nutritious and healing as revealed by many First Nation’s traditions from coast to coast to coast