Registered in 1995 by Mary Chastain of Lakeside Acres Nursery in Tennessee, this cultivar is a hybrid of an unnamed "Lakeside seedling" x H. 'Piedmont Gold'. It forms a large size plant about 19 inches high and 49 inches wide. The leaves are slightly rippled and have deep veins. Lavender flowers bloom in July followed by viable seeds.

The New Encyclopedia of Hostas by Diana Grenfell (2009) states: "Has many assets...Bright green veins embedded in the contrasting cream leaves. The contrasting burgundy scapes are an additional embellishment."

According to a Google search, it appears that San Kao has something to do with beef noodles.