Bulbous Glandular Hairs

Bulbous glandular hairs (trichomes) are mushroom-shaped structures found on cannabis flower and leaf surfaces, consisting of a stalk topped with a enlarged, round head. These heads contain and produce cannabinoids, terpenes, and other secondary metabolites that accumulate in a resinous coating. The bulbous morphology is distinct from capitate-stalked and filamentous trichome types, and their density and development stage significantly influence the visual appearance and chemical profile of mature cannabis material. Lineage records frequently report that certain genetics express notably prominent bulbous glandular development across multiple generations.

Breeders monitor bulbous glandular hair density and maturation as a visual marker for cannabinoid and terpene accumulation, often selecting parent plants showing robust trichome expression across both flower and leaf tissue. This trait is used in breeding programs targeting specific resin phenotypes and harvest-readiness indicators.