Oakmoss (Evernia prunastri) and Treemoss are closely related, and both are common and grow in the US. Most of the Oakmoss/Treemoss harvested for the perfume industry comes from France and Eastern Europe. The photograph looked like a moss growing on my Pinyon pines, so off I went uphill looking for samples. Found one, but got distracted by that Pandora Pinemoth caterpillar jumping me! I took a couple photos and did a bit more research.
Treemoss (Evernia furfuracea)
As it turns out, Treemoss grows on Pines, including my Pinyon Pines. There do seem to be a few issues with Oakmoss products, because the two are frequently mixed together and sold as Oakmoss.
I own the adulterant. Alrighty then. It is still considered an essential oil, perfume base note and fixative. Not sure how much I have, but enough to try alcohol extraction.
Treemoss has some medicinal uses as well; however, it will be reserved for perfume in my food forest. Oakmoss/Treemoss is used in some of my favorite perfumes, and used extensively by Guerlain in their product line.
Unfortunately, the French government has put restrictions on Oakmoss/Treemoss use because some people are allergic to it. In fact, people are allergic to many essential oils, including rose. I am not sure why they are pushing on this ingredient, and the perfume industry is not reconciled to the decision.
However it goes, I have two important fixatives that are also base notes. I will add several plants new to this garden, but that I have grown elsewhere, to expand my scent repertoire.
Treemoss is available now, so if I find enough on my property, I may have sample perfumes before summer is out. I ordered tiny bottles for essential oils today.
My food forest is showing signs of feeding me and I can take a peek at other benefits possible from a circular economy, like deer bedding, honey, textiles, winemaking, medicinals, and Treemoss for perfumes.
treeseeddreaming 