What Are The Notes Of Bayberry Scent?
Bayberry refers to the fragrant wax-covered berries and leaves of several shrubs and small trees from the genus Myrica, a genus in the family Myricaceae. These species are native to North America, Eurasia, North Africa, and the Caribbean. Bayberries are well known for the fragrant wax that covers the fruits, which is used to make candles and soaps. The leaves also emit a pleasant, spicy aroma when crushed.
Some of the most common species used for their fragrant properties include:
- Northern bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica) – native to eastern North America
- Southern bayberry (Myrica cerifera) – native to southeastern North America
- Pacific bayberry (Myrica californica) – native to western North America
Bayberry shrubs and trees thrive in sunny, well-drained acidic soil. The leaves are simple, alternate, and aromatic when crushed. Flowers are catkins that develop into clusters of waxy grey-blue berries. Bayberry fruit is not edible for humans, but birds and wildlife will eat them.
Scent Profile of Bayberry
Bayberry has a complex, earthy, and spicy fragrance with woody undertones. The main notes that comprise its distinctive scent profile include:
Top Notes
The top notes of bayberry are dominated by a bright, fruity aroma. Many describe the opening notes as reminiscent of cranberry or pomegranate. There are also hints of citrus fruits like orange and lemon. The fruit accords give bayberry an uplifting and energizing quality upon first sniff.
Heart Notes
As the fruity top notes fade, the warmer heart notes emerge. Here, bayberry takes on a spicy, aromatic scent. Clove and cinnamon spices mix with earthier notes like cypress and cedarwood. There is a subtle smoky nuance along with hints of pine resin and fir balsam. The heart is where bayberry develops its signature wintry aroma.
Base Notes
The deep base notes provide an anchoring warmth to bayberry’s scent. As the brighter tones dissipate, one is left with the rich, woody base. Sandalwood, vetiver, oakmoss, and ambergris contribute an earthy, musky character. The dried fruit accord also lingers, leaving behind a sweet impression.
Top Notes
The top notes of bayberry scent consist of bright, fresh, citrusy aromas. Bayberry contains high amounts of myrcene, a compound that gives bayberry a strong herbal green scent.[1] In addition to the dominant herbal green notes, bayberry also contains subtle hints of lemon, lime, and bergamot, providing an uplifting citrus bouquet.[2] These invigorating citrus top notes combine with the characteristic bayberry herbal aroma to create an opening profile that is both fresh and green.
Heart Notes
The heart notes of bayberry contain a sweet, crisp berry aroma with subtle hints of nutmeg (Voyageur Soap and Candle, 2022). This fruity scent comes from compounds like eugenol, which provide a fresh, spicy scent (Wikit Good, 2022). The addition of floral notes like geranium and rose add to the berry-like bouquet (Voyageur Soap and Candle, 2022). These heart notes create a delicate fruity and floral aromatic profile. The nutmeg adds a subtle spiciness that complements the berry and floral notes.
Base Notes
The base notes of bayberry are described as woody, earthy, and balsamic.1 These deep, rich notes form the foundation of the bayberry fragrance profile and linger the longest on the skin. Key base notes in bayberry include:
- Clove – Adds a warm, spicy aroma
- Fir – Provides an evergreen, forest-like scent
- Patchouli – Contributes a strong, earthy character
The combination of clove, fir, and patchouli gives bayberry a robust, woodsy base that is balsamic and sweet yet grounded in nature. These base notes allow bayberry to have depth and complexity, while still retaining its fresh, outdoorsy appeal.
Aromatherapy Uses
Bayberry essential oil is valued in aromatherapy for its energizing and clarifying properties. When diffused, bayberry oil can boost energy and mental alertness, helping to stimulate the mind. The scent is described as woody, spicy, and sweet with a hint of camphor. According to AromaWeb.com, bayberry oil blends well with bergamot, clove, eucalyptus, pine, cypress, and patchouli oils, which are all stimulant and centering oils.
The warming properties of bayberry oil can also help promote circulation when applied topically. Diluted bayberry oil can be massaged into the skin or added to baths to take advantage of these energizing effects.
Bayberry oil is also said to have soothing properties that can help during times of grief, loss, or transition. The grounding nature of bayberry can aid in emotional healing, when used appropriately and sensitively.
As with any essential oil, bayberry should be diluted before applying to the skin. Consult a certified aromatherapist for guidance on safe usage.
Perfumes Featuring Bayberry
Bayberry is an aromatic plant that imparts a distinctive herbal-woody scent, making it a popular ingredient in perfumes. Here are some examples of fragrances that highlight bayberry notes:
Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne – This unisex fragrance combines bayberry with sage, sea salt, algae and amber for an invigorating herbal-oceanic scent. The bayberry provides subtle spicy and woody nuances.
Byredo Gypsy Water – A woody oriental perfume with fresh citrus top notes and a base of bayberry, amber and vanilla. The bayberry lends a subtle smoky aroma.
Le Labo Baie Rose 26 – A floral gourmand scent featuring rose, pepper, wood and bayberry. The bayberry note adds a hint of woods and subtle smoke.
Diptyque L’Ombre dans L’Eau – A floral perfume with top notes of blackcurrant leaves and bayberry. The bayberry provides a crisp, woody undertone.
Serge Lutens Fille en Aiguilles – A unisex fragrance with pine needles, bayberry, bergamot, rose and musk. The bayberry contributes a subtle herbal smokiness.
These fragrances showcase bayberry as part of complex scent compositions, allowing its dry, woody character to shine.
Candles with Bayberry
Bayberry is a popular scent for candles and other home fragrance products. The fresh, spicy aroma makes bayberry a quintessential holiday scent. Many candle makers offer bayberry fragranced candles for winter and Christmas.
Yankee Candle has several bayberry scented candles like Bayberry Christmas, which has notes of bayberry, pine, cedarwood, and red currant. Other brands like Chesapeake Bay Candle and Colonial Candle also have bayberry fragranced candles perfect for the festive season.
For a classic New England aroma, look for bayberry candles with hints of pine or birch. Woodwick’s Bayberry Fireside has a campfire-like scent with cedarwood and fir needle accents. Village Candle’s Midwinter’s Night combines bayberry with balsam, juniper berry, and pine.
If you prefer a sweeter bayberry scent, try candles like Homesick’s Candy Cane Christmas, scented with bayberry, peppermint, and vanilla. Auburn Candle’s Candy Cane Lane also mixes bayberry with sugary peppermint.
Bayberry makes a wonderful addition to holiday candle blends. Look for it in combination with complementary fragrances like pine, cedar, cloves, cinnamon, and fruit accents.
DIY Bayberry Products
Bayberry’s earthy, spicy aroma makes it a wonderful addition to homemade candles, soaps, potpourri, and more. Here are some recipes to try making bayberry items at home:
Bayberry Container Candle
This simple bayberry candle is easy to make using a glass container. You’ll need:
- 1 cup soy wax flakes
- 2 oz bayberry fragrance oil
- Wick and wick tabs
- Glass container
Instructions:
- Melt the wax in a double boiler until liquid.
- Stir in the bayberry oil.
- Carefully pour the wax into the container.
- Place the wick, allowing it to harden before trimming.
Bayberry Beeswax Candles
For a natural candle, try this bayberry beeswax recipe:
- 1 cup beeswax pellets
- 2 oz bayberry oil
- Wick and jars
Melt the beeswax over low heat, add the oil, pour into jars, and insert wicks. Allow to fully harden before use.
Bayberry Potpourri
Simmer bayberry, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peels on the stove for a warming, spicy homemade potpourri.
Bayberry Soap
Add 10-15 drops of bayberry oil per pound of soap base when making bar soap for an earthy, aromatic soap.
Conclusion
Bayberry has a complex and nuanced scent profile that makes it a uniquely memorable fragrance. This article has explored the various aromatic notes present in bayberry, including its crisp top notes of pine and lemon, its warm heart notes of nutmeg and cinnamon, and its rich, earthy base notes of vetiver and cedarwood. We’ve also touched on some of the therapeutic benefits ascribed to bayberry in aromatherapy, such as promoting alertness and focus, relieving stress, and boosting energy levels. Whether used in perfumes, candles, potpourri or DIY crafts, the sweet, spicy aroma of bayberry is sure to evoke nostalgia and create a cozy atmosphere. In summary, bayberry is a versatile fragrance with an illustrious history and a place in many American holiday traditions. Getting to know the scent notes that comprise bayberry allows us to better understand and appreciate this wintry aromatic.
