2015 $20 Forests of Canada: Columbian Yew Tree - Pure Silver Coin

The third issue in this exciting series that explores the diversity and beauty of Canada’s forests! The Columbia forest is found in a series of mountain ranges located roughly 600 kilometres from the Pacific coast in southeastern British Columbia. It is the world’s only inland temperate rainforest and the only temperate rainforest where the majority of its moisture falls as snow instead of rain. The Western Yew, an highly-adaptive, slow-growing and long-lived tree is also one of the few coniferae species that does not have cones. Instead, the Western Yew produces individual seeds that are protected by fleshy, berry-like casings that look like red rubies sitting atop its slender twigs. Mintage is 8,500 coins. HST/GST exempt.

Canadian artist Julius Csotonyi has created a stunning reverse design that celebrates the beauty of the Columbian forest by portraying one of its most captivating trees; the Western Yew. The design’s foreground features a gently sloping twig that has been painstakingly enhanced in colour to immediately draw the eye to its ruby red fruit and slender, vibrant green needles. In the background, massive tree trunks and lush growth fill the remainder of the design.

An original gift for tree-appreciators and proud British Columbians, particularly those who live in the Interior where the Columbia forest and its diversity of biological gems like the Western Yew can be found.