Crusier, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Blue Pine

Pinus ponderosa
Janka | 460
Eastern Oregon

The dominant tree species east of the Cascades, Ponderosa Pine evolved with regular, low intensity fire. Due to massive pine beetle outbreaks, millions of acres of Ponderosa Pine are dying, causing the wood to turn blue. Salvaging this lumber is critical for ecosystem restoration and fire resilience.