does red cedar change color with time or heat?

[nchunter]

I really like the purple/white color of the hardwood/sapwood of cedar.  However, when I look at the cedar boards at Lowes or Home Depot they are just an ugly non-descript brown.  Is that because they've been kiln-dried?  Is it a different type of cedar than that used for bows?  Or does all the cedar turn that dull brown over time?

[Pat B]

The cedar at Lowe's is probably Western Red Cedar and not Eastern Red Cedar. Two different woods completely. You may fine ERC at Lowe's but it will be a specialty item for closet linings.
  The western red cedar isn't what you want for bows even though a few folks have made successful bows with it. It is however a good arrow making wood.

[Holm-Made]

UV rays turn the red cedar dark rather quickly.  Chad

[Jason Scott]

Pat B, I am about finished with my first set of poplar shafts I made with a veritas dowel maker. Stained, sealed and crested. I think they are absolutely awesome. You say I can use some of the cedar board from lowes for arrows? How does it compare to POC for weight, straitness and durability. My poplar is supposedly more durable than POC but I have to straiten often.