Understand What Your Cannabis Pistils Are Saying

Cannabis pistils are more than reproductive organs on a female cannabis plant. They can tell you a lot about your plants, and every grower should get familiar with them. Understanding what they are, what they do, and what they can tell you about your plant will help you become a better grower by helping you determine your plant’s sex, if it has been pollinated, and when it is ready to harvest. By the time you have finished reading this article, you will have a well-rounded understanding of the cannabis pistil.

What are cannabis pistils?

We’ve all seen those photos of cannabis pistils, the images of pink hair on weed, red hairs in weed, or weed with white hairs. These hairs are most often referred to as pistils, although scientific nomenclature would refer to them as stigmas. The pistils are the female reproductive organs of the cannabis plant that consist of stigma, style, and ovary. The only visible part of the pistil is the stigma, so it makes sense that they are colloquially known as pistils on weed. 

Pistils vs stigmas

Stigmas are the visible part of the pistil, the cannabis hair. Their job is to collect pollen and transport it down the style and into the ovary, where a seed eventually develops embedded within the bract. Pistils can collectively refer to the stigma, style, and ovary. 

When do pistils form?

In cannabis cultivation, pistils begin to form when the plant nears the end of vegetative growth. This is the first sign of sexual maturity and can be compared to puberty in humans. The early pistils typically start to form at nodes, where stems and branches meet, and are known as pre-flowers. Once your cannabis plant has fully transitioned into flower buds, buds will begin to develop where the initial pistils formed, and more will begin to appear poking out of the bracts. 

Blueberry Muffin cannabis strain

What pistil colors mean

Cannabis pistils come in many different colors, from white to orange, brown, and even pink or purple. Each color means something a little different. Once you get to know your cannabis pistils, you can learn a lot about them from their color. 

White Pistils

The white pistils emerging from your cannabis buds are immature and signal the growth and development of the cannabis buds. They remain white during the first four weeks of flower before they mature. 

Orange/Red Pistils

Vanilla Frosting cannabis strain

Once cannabis pistils begin to turn orange, this signals the maturation of the cannabis buds. By the time you harvest, nearly all pistils should turn orange, red, or some variation of the two. At this point, the terpenes and cannabinoids are reaching their highest potential.

Brown Pistils

Sometimes, the pistils appear brown. If the pistils turn brown during the early flowering phase and appear shriveled, your plant has probably been pollinated and will start forming seeds. Brown pistils can also occur on fully matured plants and usually have an orange hue, but may look brown. 

Pink/ Purple Pistils

Certain strains, like Dream Queen, can have pink pistils due to their genetic makeup. Carotenoids are genetically expressed differently from strain to strain; this pigment is responsible for pink, red, and orange pistils. Pink or purple pistils that show up in white pistils during early flower development are usually caused by anthocyanins. 

Why pistils matter to cannabis growers

Experienced cannabis growers know how to read the color of their pistils and determine if their plants have been pollinated or when they are ready to harvest. When your plant has matured, most of the pistils should have turned a color. If your plant is still producing white hairs, it can likely continue growing longer. 

Cannabis strains with stunning pistils

Cannabis pistils vary depending on the strain. These variances are due to genetic differences that influence the amount of certain pigments, such as chlorophyll, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. Some of the most beautiful pistils can be found on our Blueberry Pancakes and Chicken N’ Wafflez.

Blueberry Pancakes is a high quality sativa-leaning hybrid born from a multi-generational pheno hunt at Wave Rider Nursery. This cultivar boasts dense, trichome-rich buds with hints of purple and a sweet syrup aroma. Its bright green structure is impressive in the garden and the jar. A gem in Humboldt’s Blueberry line, this strain is ideal for those seeking beauty and a flavor-forward, feel-good experience.

Chicken N’ Wafflez is one of our newest high-THC powerhouse strains, testing up to 32% THC. To reach these levels, let the plant fully mature. Key ripeness indicators include buds turning purple and pistils shifting from white to orange. Full maturation ensures maximum potency, rich flavor, and the smooth experience this strain is known for, with resin-coated flowers and a sweet, savory aroma. The cannabinoids and terpenes both pack a punch!

FAQ

Why does my weed have white hairs?

Your weed has white hairs because it is immature and needs more growing time. Most cannabis strains require at least seven to eight weeks of flowering time before the buds have filled out and the cannabinoids have fully developed.

Are red hairs a sign of quality?

Red hairs mean the plant has reached its highest potential. Cannabis hairs, or pistils, come in various colors, including brown, orange, red, pink, white, and even purple. 

Can male plants have pistils?

No, pistils are the female reproductive organs. Male plants have stamens that include the anther and filament.

Do seedlings have pistil hair?

No, pistils begin forming in the late vegetative stage into flower.

What is pistol meaning for a plant?

For plants, pistils (not pistols) are the bright, hair-like structures that form on the buds and flowers.