Woody

Nootka Cypress

Note Profile

Botanical

About

Nootka Cypress has a distinctive woody scent with pronounced citrus undertones, sometimes described as lemony or grapefruit-like alongside resinous, balsamic notes. It is fresh, clean, and slightly spicy, making it a versatile woody note in both masculine and unisex fragrances. The aroma provides a crisp, invigorating effect reminiscent of forest air with a hint of green citrus zest.

Scent Profile

Nootka Cypress presents a crisp woody aroma with prominent citrus facets, often likened to lemon or grapefruit peel layered over resinous, balsamic undertones. Its scent is fresh and clean, with a subtle spicy edge and a green, invigorating character. As it evolves, the citrus brightness softens, revealing deeper wood and soft pine nuances.

ScentWheel

Breadthmedium

EnvelopeBase · ~12h lasting

Family Woody & Earthy, Fresh & Citrus

Read off the wheel, not a label applied to the note.

What this is made of

Callitropsis nootkatensis oil

A natural extract

CAS 1069136-34-0

Alaska yellow cedar. Held under the botanical name only.

How the layers join

Origin

This note is derived from the wood and bark of the Nootka Cypress (Cupressus nootkatensis), a conifer native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. Essential oil is typically obtained through steam distillation of the heartwood, which contains the characteristic nootkatone molecule responsible for its citrusy scent.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use Nootka Cypress primarily as a heart or base note to impart freshness and complexity to woody compositions. It blends well with other woods, citruses, aromatic herbs, and green notes, and is valued for adding a modern, clean twist to both masculine and unisex fragrances. Its unique citrus-woody profile makes it suitable for fougère, chypre, and contemporary woody blends.