Trees Which Give Aroma In Rain?

[maggiemcgill]

Could anyone explain why some trees seem to give off a strong, sweet perfume, like scent when it is raining?
I have been aware of this before but given the recent weather I have noticed it more! Also which kinds of trees do this?

[Robinia]

ooh, I know just what you mean Mary. I know conifers aren't everybody's favourite but I love the woody smell that you get with them when it's wet. I'd never really thought about why before so I've had a look. It seems that the oils they give off when it's dry are absorbed into the ground & then released into the air when it rains. there's even a word for it!
I can't tell you which, apart from the conifers, are the strongest though.

[gen2]

The Chilean Beech trees in my local park also have a strong aroma so it is not just conifers.

[evsajo]

I have a lime tree near my house and that smells lovely when it rains

[maggiemcgill]

Thanks for the replies (especially Robinia for the link)
I walk my dog along a canal where there many different trees. When the rain comes there is a (sometimes) sickly sweet smell that comes from them, unfortunately I don�t know what kind of trees they are.