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Smoketree

FLOWERS  /  balsamic · smoky · woody
Smoketree
Smoketree perfume ingredient
CategoryFLOWERS
Subcategorybalsamic · smoky · woody
Origin
VolatilityHeart Note
BotanicalCotinus coggygria
AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor StrengthMedium
Producing CountriesAsia, Europe, North America
PyramidHeart

Green, faintly tannic, and smoky-dry. Smoketree (Cotinus coggygria) is named for its wispy, smoke-like seed clusters — the leaves and wood have a mildly tannic, astringent, green-woody scent.

  1. Scent
  2. Terroir & Origins
  3. The Full Story
  4. Fun Fact
  5. Extraction & Chemistry
  6. In Perfumery

Scent

Smoketree has a sweet, smoky aroma, recalling burnt wood or charred bark. Smoketree has earthy undertones and a warm, faintly sweet, smoky character.

Scent Evolution

In perfumes, smoketree contributes a smoky character balanced by subtle floral hints.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Immediately

A warm, smoky scent unfolds, revealing sweet floral nuances.
After a few hours

After a few hours

The smokiness softens, allowing deeper earthy notes to emerge.
After a few days

After a few days

Subtle sweetness lingers, enhancing the overall warmth of the scent.

Terroir & Origins

Indicative 2025 wholesale prices.

The Full Story

Smoketree (Cotinus coggygria) is a deciduous shrub of the Anacardiaceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Its name comes from the fluffy, plume-like flower clusters that resemble puffs of smoke, notable in bloom. Smoketree has been used for ornamental landscaping and in traditional medicine.

Origin and Production

In perfumery, smoketree is valued for its warm, earthy aromatic qualities. Essential oils are extracted from the dried flowers and leaves, which are harvested carefully to preserve the aromatic components. It is used in niche fragrances.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

Smoketree adds depth to fragrance compositions and bridges the floral and woody notes, adding aromatic complexity to a composition. Smoketree is used by perfumers as a natural, aromatic note.

Did You Know?

Smoketree blooms form a display that resembles billowing smoke.

Explore all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.

Did You Know?

Did you know?
Smoketree blooms create a visually striking display that resembles billowing smoke.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: Steam distillation of the dried flowers and leaves

↑ See Terroir & Origins for origin-specific methods.

Molecular FormulaN/A — complex essential oil
CAS Number89997-96-6
Botanical NameCotinus coggygria
IFRA StatusNo known restrictions
SynonymsSMOKEBUSH · SMOKE TREE
Physical Properties
Odor StrengthMedium
AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Specific Gravity0.83500 to 0.84700 @ 20.00 °C.
Refractive Index1.47500 to 1.48500 @ 20.00 °C.

In Perfumery

In perfumery, smoketree is a heart note, though its profile can also lend itself to base note applications. Its smoky, floral qualities make it adaptable, allowing it to works with both other floral notes and deeper, woody elements. Perfumers often combine smoketree with notes like sandalwood, vetiver, and various spices to create fragrances that carries warmth and complexity. It can harmonize with a range of other ingredients makes smoketree a valuable addition to many compositions.

From the raw to the worn

This is what it becomes.