Green LeavesOpens with
Clary SageHeart
OakmossDries down to
Rosendo MateuThe nose · 59 fragrances · also made La Nuit (1985)Portrait →Will you like it? Mark a few fragrances you own or love and we'll tell you.
Zoologist Perfumes · Sold as unisex
Northern Cardinal
The scent of moss-covered stones after a rain shower, where the freshness of green leaves meets the rich earthiness of damp soil and warm wood.
Full bottle: Premium tier, typically $100–250. Links open each seller's own page. We may earn a commission; it never changes the order.
Northern CardinalPremium · $100–250
51%Similar accords, often for lessShaheen Silver · Lattafa PerfumesBudget tier, under $40 · shares 5 of its 7 notes8 matches →How it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
Notes Pyramid
TopOpening
HeartThe Soul
The story behind the bottle.
Northern Cardinal, crafted by Rosendo Mateu and launched in 2022 by Zoologist Perfumes, is an exploration of fresh greenery and earthy depth. The fragrance opens with a vibrant citrus-aromatic accord, featuring bergamot, lemon, and mandarin orange that evoke the crispness of early morning walks through dew-kissed gardens. As it evolves, clary sage and rose add a subtle herbal and floral touch before leather, oakmoss, patchouli, vanilla, and musk ground the composition in rich, earthy tones. This juxtaposition creates a dynamic interplay between freshness and warmth.
Northern Cardinal has a strong opening with its citrus notes, which subside within an hour. The leather and patchouli base develops more fully over time, so applying it in layers can enhance its longevity. Given its fresh yet grounding nature, it pairs well with casual daytime wear as much as evening ensembles.
Fig. 01 — Northern Cardinal, Zoologist Perfumes
Where to buy.
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Rosendo Mateu
From Puig apprentice to Master PerfumerRosendo Mateu began his fragrance career at 15 as an apprentice at the Puig perfumery company in Barcelona, later studying at Master Marcel Carles's Roure School in Grasse, then in Geneva with Arturo Jordi Pey at Firmenich and in Paris with Max Gavarry at IFF.
Designer Zoologist Perfumes
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Chosen from what wearers say it smells like, what its fans also love, and its notes
Love it, not the $100–250 price?
Matched by accords and notes. Sample first, then decide.
The originalNorthern CardinalZoologist Perfumes · Premium · $100–250Lattafa Perfumes · 2022Shaheen SilverShares 5 of its 7 notesunder $40★ 3.98 (513)48%Match
Versace · 1984Versace L'HommeShares 6 of its 19 notes$40–100★ 3.78 (2,813)49%Match
RasasiAdorableShares 6 of its 10 notesunder $40★ 4.10 (49)
With Cacharel Amor Amor L'Eau
Adds fruity, coca-cola and white floral; shares rose and vanilla and 1 more note.
Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers
What people
are saying.
Respected, if divisive: loved by 30%, disliked or hated by 16%.