Pistil

Pistil: The female reproductive part of a cannabis flower, consisting of the stigma, style, and ovary.

Also called / Category:

Also called: N/A / Category: Plant, Botany & Anatomy

Key takeaways:

Pistils are crucial for the reproduction of cannabis plants.
They start as small white hairs and change colour as the plant matures.
Pistils can indicate the maturity and readiness of the plant for harvest.
They are different from trichomes, which are responsible for cannabinoid production.

What it is / How it shows up:

Pistils are often noticed in cannabis reviews and descriptions, especially when discussing the plant's maturity. They are integral to the flower's anatomy and appear as small, hair-like structures that protrude from the bud. Initially white, pistils change colour to orange, red, or brown as the plant matures. This colour change is a visual cue for growers to determine the right time for harvest. While pistils are not involved in cannabinoid production, they play a vital role in plant reproduction, capturing pollen from male plants.

How it’s measured or identified:

Colour change from white to orange or brown indicates maturity.
Initial abundance and health can be observed during flowering.
Visual inspection of pistil density and distribution on the plant.

Use in context:

"The pistils are turning brown, indicating it's almost harvest time."
"Healthy pistils are a sign of a thriving cannabis plant."
"Check the pistils to gauge the maturity of your cannabis crop."
"Pistils are not a direct source of THC or CBD."

Safety & compliance in Canada:

Ensure plants are grown in compliance with local regulations.
Harvesting at the right time ensures quality and offset-4 transition-colors hover:underline" title="Learn more about Potency">potency.
Pistil examination should be part of regular plant care and monitoring.

Related terms / See also:

11-Hydroxy-THC, 2-AG, Acidic cannabinoids, Apical meristem, Anandamide (AEA)

FAQs:

Q: What do pistils do in a cannabis plant?
A: Pistils are part of the female cannabis flower, responsible for reproduction by capturing pollen from male plants.

Q: Do pistils produce THC?
A: No, pistils do not produce THC. Trichomes are responsible for cannabinoid production in cannabis plants.

Q: How can pistils indicate harvest time?
A: The colour change in pistils from white to brown or orange signals the plant's maturity and readiness for harvest.

Sources:

Health Canada
PubChem