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Snakeroot

GREENS, HERBS AND FOUGERES  /  earthy · floral · woody
Snakeroot
Snakeroot perfume ingredient
CategoryGREENS, HERBS AND FOUGERES
Subcategoryearthy · floral · woody
Origin
VolatilityBase Note
BotanicalAgeratina altissima
AppearanceDried white root; extract is pale yellow to brownish liquid
Odor StrengthMedium
Producing CountriesCanada, United States
PyramidBase

Earthy, slightly medicinal, and root-like. Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima or Aristolochia serpentaria) carries a bitter-herbal earthiness — dank roots pulled from shaded forest floor, with a faint camphoraceous edge.

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

Scent

The scent of snakeroot is characterized by its earthy and slightly herbal qualities, like damp forest floors after rain. It has a warm, rich aroma that can carry feelings of comfort and grounding, like freshly turned earth mixed with delicate floral undertones. This profile allows snakeroot to add a depth that is both intriguing and calming.

Scent Evolution

When compared to other floral notes, snakeroot does not possess the overt sweetness of traditional flowers like jasmine or roseInstead, it leans towards a more rustic and organic scent, which can be likened to the aroma of a sun-drenched garden in late summer, where both flowers and earth coexist balanced. This complexity makes snakeroot a valued ingredient for those looking to create fragrances that are both natural and structured.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Immediately

Initial earthy and herbal notes dominate.
After a few hours

After a few hours

Woody undertones become more pronounced.
After a few days

After a few days

A warm, soft scent lingers, reminiscent of damp earth.

The Full Story

Snakeroot, scientifically known as Ageratina altissima, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Native to North America, it appears in wooded are as and along roadsides. Historically, snakeroot was utilized for its medicinal properties by Indigenous peoples and early settlers, who valued It can treat various ailments. The plant has grown in perfumery for its particular aroma, which provides a grounding quality to fragrances.

Origin and Production

for sourcing, snakeroot has a diverse distribution across the eastern United States and parts of Canada. The plant flourishes in rich, moist soils and is often harvested sustainably to ensure its continued growth in the wild. The significance of snakeroot in perfumery lies in its ability to impart complexity to compositions.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

As a perfume ingredient, snakeroot earned attention for its varied scent profile. It smells earthy and slightly woody, with subtle hints of sweetness that can carry a sense of tranquility. This complexity allows it to act as an anchor in fragrance formulations. The allure of snakeroot lies in its ability to harmonize with other floral andwoody notes.

Did You Know?

Snakeroot was historically used by Native Americans for its medicinal properties, particularly for treating snake bites, hence its name.

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Did You Know?

Did you know?
Snakeroot was historically used by Native Americans for its medicinal properties, particularly for treating snake bites, hence its name.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: White snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) is not commercially extracted for perfumery. The note is a fantasy accord.

Molecular FormulaComplex mixture (no single formula)
CAS NumberN/A - natural plant
Botanical NameAgeratina altissima
IFRA StatusNo known restrictions
Synonymsblack snakeroot, white snakeroot, richweed, life root
Physical Properties
Odor StrengthMedium
Lasting Power> 200 hours
AppearanceDried white root; extract is pale yellow to brownish liquid

In Perfumery

In perfumery, snakeroot is typically a heart or base note because of its rich and grounding characteristics. It works with a variety of other notes, including soft florals like lavender and geranium, as well as woody elements such as cedar and sandalwood. It can enhance the longevity and complexity of a fragrance.

From the raw to the worn

This is what it becomes.