Oakmoss

OakMoss

Scientific Names (2 species): Evernia prunastri Ach. Evernia furfuracea Mann. Family: RAMALINACEAE. Common name: Oak Moss, lichen. CAS: 68648-41-9.

Oak moss is the commercial name given to several species of lichen (types of "moss" resulting from associating an alga with a mushroom). It grows on trees especially oak trees and takes the form of profoundly incised, leaf-like blades.
Evernia prunastri, of superior quality, is harvested on fruit trees in the Rosaceous family like apple, plum, oak and beeches. Its thallus is pale green on the upper surface and yellowish white or pinkish on the lower surface.
Evernia furfuraceae, of an inferior quality, develops on conifers like the pines, cedars and larches). Its thallus is ash-grey or bluish on the upper side and blackish or bluish on the lower side.

It is originated from Southern Europe and wild species are widely harvested in France, Italy, Spain and Morocco. It strives well in a humid forests environment in Southern Europe. Typically, Lichen is harvested in dry conditions at the beginning of spring or in the autumn.

It can be extracted via volatile solvent and steam distillation resulting in a concentrated resin. It has earthy, woody, salty and marine odors.
It is applied in perfumery as a base for fern, cypress, lavender, oriental notes.

Some perfumes which use Oak Moss

OakMoss