This is a small size (6 inches high) plant from Japan with narrow elliptical leaves with white centers. The leaves are moderately rippled with smooth texture and thin substance. Purple flowers are borne in August and it forms many seed pods.

According to The Hostapedia by Mark Zilis (2009), "Sometimes one name can represent several different plants, inevitably leading to confusion. Here is a case of one plant being represented by several different names."

This plant is also known as H. 'Haku Chu Han', H. 'Silver Kabitan' and was registered in 1986 by by The American Hosta Society as Hosta sieboldii 'Haku-chu-han' but is now called Hosta sieboldii 'Shiro Kabitan'.

The Hostapedia by Mark Zilis (2009) says, "Its lack of substance, however, makes it vulnerable to drought conditions. In fact, during dry years, I've seen specimens completely flatten."

The Book of Little Hostas by Kathy and Michael Shadrack (2010) says: "In the right location, this variety quickly forms a wide, dense mound. Sometimes known as H. 'Haku Chu Han'."