Ponderosa Pine

Ponderosa Pine (pinus ponderosa) also goes by the names Bull Pine, Blackjack Pine, and when grown in the right conditions, Western Yellow Pine. Western Yellow Pine has fewer growth rings per inch, thinner, yellowish bark, and tends toward less limbs in the lower sections of the trunk. It is the same specie, however. Ponderosa Pine got its name from the fact that it is very heavy when green. This specie has a tremendous ability to pull water from very deep down, allowing it to thrive in dry climates. It is often found in abundance along dry, sandy ridges where other species do not do as well. Because of this ability, ponderosa logs and green lumber are very heavy, having a much higher moisture content than other species. When dry, however, it is quite stable, and no heavier than the other pine species.