Character
The Story of Green Lily
Green Lily offers a crisp, verdant aroma that captures the fresh, dewy essence of spring’s first blossoms, blending bright green notes with a subtle creamy undertone that brightens any composition.
Heritage
Lily of the valley, known as Convallaria majalis, originated in the forests of central China, where it grew in cool, shaded valleys. Traders introduced the flower to Europe during the Middle Ages, and French aristocracy linked it to renewal and happiness. By the 19th century, perfumers prized its delicate fragrance, though they could not distill it. They turned to natural absolutes from related species and early aroma chemicals to approximate its scent. The first commercial perfume featuring lily of the valley, Coty’s "Muguet," launched in 1910 and set a trend for spring‑time fragrances. The advent of synthetic aroma compounds in the late 1800s, such as hydroxycitronellal, allowed the note to become a staple in modern perfumery, appearing in everything from classic chypre to contemporary green florals.
At a Glance
1
Feature this note
China
Primary source region
Ingredient Details
Synthetic
Flower buds
Did You Know
"Lily of the valley cannot be distilled; its scent lives on through a handful of aroma chemicals, the most common being hydroxycitronellal, which mimics the flower’s natural green‑cream profile."