Woodland strawberry

What Does It Smell Like?

Woodland strawberry smells like sun-warmed berries crushed between your fingers—tart, slightly jammy, with a whisper of green leaf underneath. There's a delicate tartness reminiscent of biting into a fresh strawberry, but softer, more perfumed than the actual fruit. It carries subtle citrus undertones (hence its classification), lending a brightness that feels almost ethereal, like the berry has been kissed by morning dew and filtered through woodland air. It's never cloying or candied—more like the fleeting scent of a strawberry patch in midsummer.

Origin & History

Woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is a small, intensely fragrant wild species native to European woodlands. The molecule behind its characteristic scent is primarily ethyl methylphenylglycidate, though the fruit contains dozens of volatile compounds. Since the berries yield minimal oil naturally, the scent is typically created synthetically in laboratories by replicating these key aromatic molecules. This synthesis allows perfumers consistent access to a note that would be impractical to extract from actual berries—a triumph of modern fragrance chemistry capturing nature's ephemeral essence.

In Perfumery

Woodland strawberry functions as a delicate top or middle note, lending freshness and an unexpected fruity elegance to compositions. It bridges fruity and citrus families beautifully, adding complexity without heaviness. Perfumers use it to soften florals, brighten woody bases, or create whimsical, innocent character. It rarely dominates—instead, it whispers charm.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 11 Fragrances