Capitate Sessile Trichomes

Capitate sessile trichomes are glandular structures found on cannabis plant surfaces, characterized by a bulbous head directly attached to the plant tissue without a stalk. Unlike capitate stalked trichomes, their lack of a stem makes them less mobile and more firmly anchored to leaf and calyx surfaces. These structures produce cannabinoids and terpenes, though typically in lower concentrations than their stalked counterparts. Capitate sessile trichomes are commonly observed across cannabis varieties and represent one of the three primary trichome morphologies breeders document when assessing plant phenotypes.

Breeders monitor capitate sessile trichome density and distribution as part of standard plant phenotyping protocols. The ratio of sessile to stalked trichomes can indicate maturation stage and is used in selective breeding programs focused on resin profile consistency.