What are Orange Hairs on Cannabis Plant?

You ever wondered what those orange hairs on cannabis are? Are they indicators that your buds are highly potent, or do they have any other important role? Let us find out.

Cannabis Vaginas

Well, first things first. Those orange, red, or brown hairs on the cannabis plant are called pistils or stigmas. But they’re also quite famously nicknamed “cannabis vaginas.”

The color depends on the strain, but when pistils first start growing, they’re usually white or sometimes a pale yellowish hue. As the cannabis plant matures, the pistils deepen in color, transitioning to vibrant oranges, reds, or browns. This color change is more than just a visual marker; it’s a signal that the plant is progressing through its growth stages.

Are They Important for Us?

Pistils have two main roles that make them an essential feature of the cannabis plant.

1. Identifying Female Plants

People affectionately call them “cannabis vaginas” because pistils are the female cannabis plant's reproductive organs. Spotting these pistils early in the growing process is excellent news for growers because it confirms you have a female plant. Female plants are highly prized since they are the ones responsible for producing the resinous buds we all cherish.

Without pistils, there would be no buds. Male plants, on the other hand, primarily produce pollen sacs and are generally removed from the grow to prevent pollination.

2. Tracking Maturity

The second critical role pistils play is as an indicator of plant maturity. As a cannabis plant approaches its harvest window, the pistils darken. Some growers have a rule of thumb to look for the moment when around 75% or more of the pistils turn darker – that’s their cue to harvest. But we advise you to rather use trichome heads for indicator, because new pistils in most of the strains grow even when the plant is mature.

Be careful, because harvesting at this stage ensures that the plant’s buds have reached their peak potency and flavor profile. Delaying beyond this window increases the risk of pollination, where pistils come into contact with pollen and shift focus from producing potent buds to generating seeds. This is generally undesirable for growers who are focused on high-quality flower production.

Do They Indicate That Weed is Strong?

There’s a common myth that buds adorned with colorful pistils are more potent. However, this is not true. While pistils are critical during the flowering stage, their presence and color don’t determine the plant’s THC potency.

If you’re looking to gauge the strength of cannabis, focus on the white crystals covering the buds. These tiny crystals, called trichomes, are packed with cannabinoids like THC and CBD. The density and clarity of trichomes provide a much more accurate indicator of a plant’s potency than the pistils.

Trichomes not only hold the cannabinoids but also contain the terpenes that give cannabis its unique flavors and aromas. So, while pistils may look pretty and serve crucial biological functions, it’s the trichomes that really determine the quality of your weed.

Fun Facts About Pistils

• Pistils can also act as a bit of a strain signature. Some strains are known for having more prominent or vibrantly colored pistils, while others may be subtler.
• In certain rare cases, environmental factors like light, temperature, and nutrient availability can influence pistil color, adding another layer of intrigue to these delicate hairs.
• Though pistils don’t affect potency directly, they do contribute to the aesthetic appeal of buds, which can make them more attractive to consumers.

Now You Know

So, next time someone points to the orange hairs on a cannabis plant and asks what they are, you can confidently explain their role. Not only do pistils confirm you have a female plant, but they also signal the right time to harvest and give cannabis its unmistakable visual allure. Just remember: when it comes to potency, it’s the trichomes that steal the show.