The Evernia prunastri herbs are a grayish, green little moss which is commonly found on oak trees across Northwestern America and Europe. These natural herbs are one of the classic base notes used in modern perfumery. It's easy to understand why many people find Oakmoss mystifying due to its deep, earthy, woodsy essence with floral undertones. A little bit of Oakmoss can put the magic of the forest into almost anything.
The herbal derivatives from Oakmoss are primary used in blending perfume and potpourris due to its powerful yet fixating earthy aroma. Oakmoss is considered to add spiritual depth to rituals and is used as an incense blend, which some believers inhale as a way to visualize and get over past wounds. Many believe the aroma from Oakmoss leads to luck with increasing cash flow and personal property.
Oakmoss is harvested in the countries of South-Central Europe and exported to the Grasse region of France where its fragrant compounds are extracted in the form of Oakmoss absolutes and extracts. It is also a key ingredient of Fougère and Chypre class perfumes. The lichen of the Oakmoss has a distinct and complex odor which is described as woody, sharp and slightly sweet. Oakmoss growing on pines has a pronounced turpentine odor heavily valued in certain perfume compositions.
