# Petiole

> The stalk that attaches a leaf to the stem at a node; in cannabis it carries all the leaflets of a palmate leaf.

- Canonical: https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/petiole.html
- Also written: leaf stalk, leaf stem, petioles, leafstalk
- Glossary category: Plant biology
- 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"

The petiole is the stalk between a [leaf blade](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/leaflet.md) and the stem. On cannabis, each palmate leaf sits on one petiole that joins the stem at a node; the leaflets fan out from its far end. The petiole contains vascular bundles ([xylem](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/xylem.md) and [phloem](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/phloem.md)) that carry water in and sugars out.

## In practice

Petioles feature in two everyday jobs. In diagnosis, colour and stiffness matter: red or purple petioles are common and often genetic or cold-related, and only mean much when combined with other symptoms such as dark, dull leaves (possible phosphorus issues) or poor growth. Drooping, soft petioles with turgid-looking leaves point to watering or root issues.

In leaf management, growers who remove leaves cut the petiole a few millimetres from the stem rather than tearing it, which avoids ripping the stem skin and the [bud site](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/bud-site.md) in the axil. The GenetixBay approach is "tuck, don't pluck": tuck a [fan leaf](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/fan-leaf.md) under a neighbouring branch by its petiole rather than remove it, where possible.

## Don't confuse with

- **Node**: the point on the stem where the petiole attaches.
- **Stem (branch)**: carries nodes and buds; a petiole carries only a leaf.
- **Midrib**: the central vein inside a leaflet.

## Related terms

[Leaflet](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/leaflet.md), [Node](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/node.md), [Fan leaf](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/fan-leaf.md), [Axillary bud](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/axillary-bud.md)

## Read more

- [Purple or red stems and leaves on cannabis: a differential](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/diagnosis/purple-stems-leaves.md)
- [Defoliation and lollipopping: what to remove, when, and the evidence](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/training/defoliation-lollipopping.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