There is a scent that fills the air after rain falls. This scent—known as petrichor—may be described differently around the world, because it comes from the oils secreted by certain plants in the area. Arizona’s after-rain smell, however, is one of the most popular and well-known scents around. Read on to learn exactly where that fragrance comes from.

Petrichor

Petrichor is the official term given to any type of after-rain smell. It comes from the Greek words of petra and ichor, which mean “stone” and “fluid that flows in the gods’ veins,” respectively. The term was first used in the 1960s when Australian researchers wrote a scientific article in Nature. These researchers determined that the attractive fragrance comes from plant oils that are found in the soil and rocks. When rainwater—which is scentless—hits the ground, the oil is released and emits a fragrance. If there is lightning in the area, then an ozone scent might also be present.

Creosote

One of the most famous and well-loved after-rain smells is found in Arizona’s desert. This smell can be hard to describe, but is often given a sweet and earthy description. Arizona’s after-rain smell can be attributed to the creosote bush. The creosote bush can be found in the Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan Deserts. It is a large shrub that grows between three and ten feet tall and produces yellow flowers. Creosote bushes can live for hundreds and even thousands of years, because one bush will split into separate crowns once it reaches a certain age. One of the oldest living organisms is a creosote ring called the “King Clone” found in California. It is estimated that this bush is almost 12,000 years old.

Enjoy the smells and sights of the desert by working with the desert’s landscapers at Complete Landscaping. We know the best ways to transform property into a desert oasis for families, communities, and commercial properties. Make an appointment with one of our expert landscapers by calling our Tucson office at (520) 323-8918.