There are over 10,000 species of grass around the world, but while most lawn cuttings are good for little more than compost, some varieties are worth a lot more — particularly vetiver. Known also as khus, this fragrant type of grass produces roots that are distilled into an essential oil highly sought after in men’s perfumery.

If you wear fragrances, chances are, you’ve already encountered vetiver in some form. It’s a key ingredient in many traditional and modern colognes, usually found in the base notes, contributing an earthy, woody, and occasionally floral or smoky quality. So, what makes it such a staple in masculine fragrances?

“Vetiver has a unique olfactory character — intensely woody, yet earthy, with hints of citrus and leather,” explains Nicolas Beaulieu, VP Perfumer at IFF, who’s created fragrances for brands like Giorgio Armani, Dries Van Noten, and Valentino. “Its robust and captivating sillage is almost the essence of a masculine scent. Plus, it lasts a long time and adds sophistication to fougère and woody accords.”

But before you start growing your own vetiver farm, know this: the best vetiver comes from the tropical slopes of places like Haiti, India, Indonesia, and Réunion. The essential oil is primarily extracted from the roots, though the leaves can be used too. Like wine, the scent of vetiver depends heavily on where it’s grown, with each region offering a unique twist.

“There are two main types of vetiver, and though they come from the same plant species (vetiveria zizanoides), their scents vary depending on the terroir and the distillation process,” Beaulieu notes. “Haitian vetiver is the most common and is woody with a touch of grapefruit bitterness and spice. On the other hand, vetiver from Java has a smoky, leathery character that stands out.”

Here are 10 standout vetiver fragrances to check out:

1. Vetiver de Guerlain

Released in 1959, Vétiver by Guerlain is considered the benchmark for vetiver scents. Its blend of vetiver, tobacco, cedar, bergamot, petitgrain, and neroli still holds its ground today. Guerlain reinterpreted the fragrance in 2000 and later launched Vetiver de Guerlain Parfum this year, which introduces a new layer of sophistication with juniper berry, coriander, and tonka bean notes.

2. Le Labo Vetiver 46

Vetiver 46 is one of Le Labo’s most complex fragrances, composed of 46 ingredients, including Haitian vetiver, pepper, cedar, and labdanum. It’s spicy, woody, and deeply warm with creamy vanilla and incense, offering a manly, enveloping fragrance.

3. D.S. & Durga St Vetyver

Inspired by Caribbean sailors’ cologne, St Vetyver by D.S. & Durga opens with sour orange and pink pepper, followed by notes of sugar cane, clove, and aged rum, all grounded by smokey Haitian vetiver. It’s a rich, tropical scent that evokes warmth even on cold winter days.

4. Czech & Speake Vétiver Vert

This modern take on classic vetiver blends citrus notes like mandarin and bergamot with a heart of laurel and galbanum. The woody base of Haitian vetiver and sandalwood gives it a fresh, green, and wearable quality.

5. Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle Vetiver Extraordinaire

Crafted by Dominique Ropion, Vetiver Extraordinaire offers a more modern, woody interpretation of vetiver. It opens with bergamot, bitter orange, and pink pepper, followed by a heart of Haitian vetiver, cedar, and sandalwood, finishing with oak moss and musk.

6. Lalique Encre Noire

This earthy, aromatic fragrance is dark and smoky, with a cypress top note and a heart of Haitian and bourbon vetiver. The dry down of cashmere wood and musk makes Encre Noire a long-lasting, unique scent, often available at an attractive price point.

7. Hermès Terre D’Hermès

One of the best-selling fragrances from Hermès, Terre d’Hermès blends cedar, grapefruit, vetiver, and a touch of flint. It’s an exploration of man’s connection to the earth, offering a woody, mineral scent that has remained popular for nearly two decades.

8. Tom Ford Grey Vetiver Parfum

The Grey Vetiver Parfum by Tom Ford takes the original EDT and deepens its richness, blending orange flower and saffron with a trio of Haitian vetiver essences. The result is a fragrance that starts cool and ends with a warm, woody, and spicy finish.

9. Creed Original Vétiver

Creed Original Vétiver is unique because it uses both the root and the leaves of the vetiver plant. It opens with ginger, lemon, and green notes, followed by vetiver, coriander, and cypress, resting on a base of white musk and cedarwood.

10. Miller Harris Vetiver Insolent

With a name that suggests boldness, Vetiver Insolent is a cozy, woody fragrance with fresh, spicy notes of bergamot, black pepper, and cardamom. Floral iris and lavandin blend with smoky Haitian vetiver and tonka bean for a warm, comforting scent.

Vetiver may be earthy, but it’s far from simple. Whether you prefer a fresh, soapy version or something dark and smoky, these vetiver-based fragrances offer a range of scents to suit every taste.