Click here to skip to main content
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Tickets Shop Join Give
My MFA Members Families Educators Press
Cameo
CAMEO Home
About CAMEO
Material Search
Browse Materials
Submit Material Information
Directory
Forbes Pigment Database
Search CAMEO
shop online
Material Name: arborvitae
field definitions | units | correct this record | print this page | print this record | edit synonym list
Description
Any cedar-like evergreen from the genus Thuja, such as Thuja occidentalis (American arborvitae) and Thuja plicata (giant arborvitae). Both trees are native to North America and cultivated in Europe. The coarse, durable wood is aromatic, lightweight, and soft. It is used for storage chests, shingles, poles, fences, and posts. Aromatic thuja oil is extracted from the white cedar tree leaves.

Synonyms and Related Terms
western red cedar (giant arborvitae - Thuja plicata ); northern white cedar (American arborvitae - Thuja occidentalis); tuia (Port.); thuya (Esp., Fr.); arbor vitae (It.); Riesenlebensbaum (Deut.); tree of life; thuja; yellow cedar

Molecular Weightspecific gravity = 0.38
Density23 ppcf

Other Properties
Color: red brown with yellow streaks. Rings: distinct. Pores:absent. Grain: faint. Rays: obscure. Soft, lightweight aromatic.

Last updated on: 7/4/2009 1:43:13 PM


Description
Comparisons
All Images
Authority
Featured Images
accessibility accessibility | contact | sitemap | © 2013 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston