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Tamarisk

FLOWERS  /  floral · fresh · woody
Tamarisk
Tamarisk perfume ingredient
CategoryFLOWERS
Subcategoryfloral · fresh · woody
Origin
VolatilityHeart Note
BotanicalTamarix spp.
AppearancePale yellow to amber liquid (extract)
Odor StrengthMedium
Producing CountriesAsia, Mediterranean, North America
PyramidHeart

Salty-green, faintly resinous, and coastal. Tamarisk (Tamarix) grows in salt-tolerant conditions near coasts and deserts — its scent is a subtle combination of salt, green foliage, and a faint, dry resinousness.

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

Scent

Tamarisk has a light, airy scent, fresh and slightly salty, with a subtle floral sweetness. This delicate profile is, like the soft floral notes found in spring gardens, balanced by an underlying mineral freshness.

Scent Evolution

In a fragrance, tamarisk works in both fresh and floral compositions, with a slight resinous undertone.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Immediately

The scent is fresh and floral, reminiscent of coastal breezes.
After a few hours

After a few hours

A soft resinous warmth develops, enhancing the floral notes.
After a few days

After a few days

The fragrance evolves into a subtle, earthy aroma with lingering hints of salt.

Terroir & Origins

Indicative 2025 wholesale prices.

The Full Story

Tamarisk, of the Tamarix genus, is a flowering shrub that grows in coastal and arid regions, often along riverbanks and in salt marshes. The various species of Tamarix produce clusters of small pink flowers that bloom in spring and summer. This plant has been used across cultures for soil stabilization and habitat creation.

Origin and Production

In perfumery, tamarisk has an airy, slightly resinous scent that bridges the floral and woody families.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

Tamarisk is increasingly used by niche houses in aquatic and aromatic compositions for its fresh, open character. Its sourcing is regarded as environmentally favourable.

Did You Know?

Tamarisk plants can live for over a hundred years.

Explore all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.

Did You Know?

Did you know?
Tamarisk plants can live for over a hundred years.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: N/A — no commercial extraction; used as a fantasy/conceptual note

↑ See Terroir & Origins for origin-specific methods.

Molecular FormulaN/A — complex natural extract (contains gallic acid, ellagic acid, flavonoids)
CAS NumberN/A — natural plant, no standardized oil CAS
Botanical NameTamarix spp.
IFRA StatusNo known restrictions
SynonymsSALT CEDAR
Physical Properties
Odor StrengthMedium
AppearancePale yellow to amber liquid (extract)

In Perfumery

Tamarisk is typically a heart note in fragrance compositions, where its ethereal qualities can shine through. It works with other floral notes, such as jasmine or lily, and can enhance the freshness of citrus elements like bergamot or lemon. Its resinous aspects work well with woody base notes, giving bridge between the floral heart and the grounding base, making it a useful material in a perfumer's palette.

From the raw to the worn

This is what it becomes.