Trees With Characteristic Scents

Pine

• A popular choice for Christmas trees, pine trees are known for their rich, fresh scent. There are many varieties of pine trees, which have thin needles that range from one to six inches in length. Pine branches are densely covered in needles, giving them a full, bushy appearance. The Scotch pine is the most common choice for Christmas trees, as it retains its needles even when dry and its aroma endures well after cutting.

Yellow Cedar

• Found in the American northwest, the yellow cedar reaches heights in excess of 70 feet and has a tapering trunk with a wide base. The branches of yellow cedars droop and are have scaly, leaf-covered twigs that produce woody cones. Yellow cedar is also a strong, hearty wood that is resistant to insects. The trees have a distinct smell reminiscent of "pure mountain wilderness" according to Island Nature, which adds that some people liken it to freshly chopped potatoes.

Japanese Lilac

• With its lush purple blossoms, the flowers of the lilac tree, not the wood, are responsible for its beguiling scent. There are many varieties of lilac trees, from giants that grow to over 20 feet tall to dwarf cultivars, which are only five to eight feet. Lilac flowers range from creamy white to purple and are highly fragrant when they bloom in the spring, with a distinct, spicy smell.

Eucalyptus Tree

• Famous for providing food to the koala, the eucalyptus tree has a strong, unmistakable scent. Eucalyptus trees grow all over the world, including Asia, North America and Australia. In the wild, some varieties of eucalyptus can reach heights of over 300 feet. The tree's leaves produce a heady oil that attracts bees and birds and has medicinal applications. The scent of eucalyptus naturally repels insects, but the oil is also highly flammable and burns quickly during forest fires.