Blue Pine (Beetle Killed Pine)
Pinus ponderosa or Pinus contorta • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with flat-sawn cathedral patterns and a tight, prominent knot. Exhibits fungal staining following the grain lines.
Color Description
Creamy yellow to light tan base with distinctive blue-gray, denim, or blackish streaks caused by the mountain pine beetle-carried fungus. Low luster and lightens slightly with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
460-510 lbf (Very Soft to Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; low resistance to rot and decay. The blue staining is purely cosmetic and does not compromise structural integrity unless accompanied by actual rot.
Common Uses
Siding, paneling, rustic furniture, accent walls, flooring (with hard topcoats), and decorative woodworking items.
Geographic Origin
Western North America, particularly the Rocky Mountain regions of the US and Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the blue staining/figure.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears recently milled from standing dead timber (killed within the last 5-10 years) based on the crisp edges and limited oxidation of the sapwood.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; often harvested as 'salvage' timber from forests affected by beetle epidemics to reduce fire load. Not CITES listed.
Workability
Very easy to work with hand and machine tools. Planes and sands easily, though knots can be brittle and prone to breakout. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Features a distinct resinous scent. Known for its aesthetic 'blue stain' which is a result of a symbiotic fungus introduced by bark beetles. Lightweight and relatively stable.
Finish Recommendations
Clearフィルム finishes like water-based polyurethane or lacquer are recommended to preserve the blue/gray color without yellowing. Penetrating oils can darken the 'blue' significantly.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of typical pine cathedral grain, a resinous knot, and the specific 'denim' blue fungal staining is pathognomonic for beetle-killed pine.