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Alder (Alnus spp.) is a riparian tree found along rivers and wetlands across the Northern Hemisphere. The wood has a particular scent: wet, tannic, slightly bitter, with a faintly sweet, almost citrus undertone when freshly cut. It turns orange on exposure to air.

No commercial essential oil exists for perfumery. The scent concept draws on alder's associations: waterside woodland, wet bark, tannic damp. The wood was historically used for making charcoal, underwater pilings (it resists rot when submerged), and smoking fish.

In perfumery, alder is a niche concept note providing wet-wood character. It sits between birch (more phenolic, tarry) and willow (more green, sappy). The tannin quality is key — astringent, mouth-drying, raw.

Construction might use woody-damp materials (cis-3-hexenol for green, guaiacol for woody-smoky), tannic elements, and aquatic notes for the riverside context.

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Related: Alpha Humulene · Amaranth · Amberever · Amburana Bark · Antillone · Apple Tree · Araucaria