Apical Dominance

Apical dominance is a plant physiology trait—not a terpene—describing the tendency of a cannabis plant's main central stem (apex) to grow taller and stronger than lateral branches. This growth pattern results from the plant's natural hormone distribution, particularly auxin concentration at the apical meristem. In cannabis breeding and cultivation, apical dominance is a structural characteristic that influences canopy shape, light penetration, and branching architecture. Plants exhibiting strong apical dominance develop a narrow, columnar form typical of sativa-leaning genetics, while suppressed apical dominance allows bushier, more branched structures common in indica phenotypes. Understanding this trait helps breeders select for desired plant architecture and cultivation strategies.

Breeders working with cannabis morphology often select for or against apical dominance depending on cultivation goals—strong dominance for vertical growing systems, reduced dominance for horizontal canopy management. Genetic background, photoperiod sensitivity, and hormone-responsive traits in breeding lines directly influence how pronounced this characteristic appears in offspring.