# Cystolith trichome

> A non-glandular, claw-shaped hair on cannabis leaves that contains a calcium carbonate crystal (cystolith); it makes no resin.

- Canonical: https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cystolith-trichome.html
- Also written: cystolith, cystolithic hair, non-glandular trichome, non-glandular trichomes, unicellular trichome, covering trichome
- Glossary category: Plant biology · Evidence: Established
- Status: Draft: awaiting expert review · Updated: 2026-10-31
- Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), attribute "GenetixBay cannabis glossary"

A cystolith trichome is a non-glandular, single-celled hair, typically short and curved like a claw, with a deposit of calcium carbonate (a cystolith) at its base. These [hairs](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/pistil.md) cover the upper surface of cannabis leaves and give them a slightly rough feel. Longer, thinner non-glandular hairs are found on the undersides and on stems. Neither type produces resin.

## In practice

Under a [loupe](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/jewelers-loupe.md), cystolith hairs are clear, pointed and stalk-only, with no ball head. New growers sometimes mistake them for "[clear trichomes](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/trichome-ripeness.md)" on [sugar leaves](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/sugar-leaf.md) and decide a plant isn't ripe. Look for the resin head: no head, not a glandular [trichome](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/trichome.md).

Cystolith hairs are a botanical identification feature of the cannabis and hop family and were long used in forensic microscopy to recognise plant material.

## Don't confuse with

- **Glandular trichomes**: the resin-producing types with heads.
- **Clear trichome**: a glandular head that hasn't clouded yet; it still has a head.
- **Powdery mildew**: white fungal spots that rub off, not hairs.

## Related terms

[Trichome](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/trichome.md), [Bulbous trichome](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/bulbous-trichome.md), [Leaflet](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/leaflet.md)

## Read more

- [Cannabis plant biology: the parts and what they do](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/basics/cannabis-plant-biology.md)

## Sources

1. Small E. 2015. Evolution and classification of Cannabis sativa (marijuana, hemp) in relation to human utilization. The Botanical Review 81:189-294. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12229-015-9157-3