This cultivar of unidentified parentage was registered by Peter Ruh of Ohio in 1999 on behalf of the originator, Gwen Black of England. It is a medium size (18 inches high by 36 inches wide) hosta with Tardiana-type foliage which is slightly blue-green in the spring but becomes more chartreuse in color later. The leaves are cupped lengthwise and have a thin bloom on the bottom. Very pale lavender flowers bloom from late June into July.

The New Encyclopedia of Hostas by Diana Grenfell (2009) states in its Hosta Hybrids for Connoisseurs chapter: "Even in cooler climates the leaf turns green early in the season, and in moderate to hot climates, it assumes chartreuse tints."

An article by Warren I. Pollock in The Hosta Journal (1997 Vol. 28 No. 1) states that, "There already is a blue hosta with the leaf curling character of 'Stetson'. It is a seedling of H. 'Sieboldiana' (not H. 'Elegans' ) with pollen parent unknown. The leaf blades are canoe shaped, even more curled on the sides than 'Stetson'. Its very fitting name is 'Blue Canoe'...an exciting new introduction of Gwen Black who gardens in...England."

In The Hosta Journal (2003 Vol. 34 No. 1) Pollock states that, "In my view, boat-shaped or "keeled" is a better descriptor than folded. The leaf blade curves upward from the midrib similar to how a canoe looks...H. 'Stetson', 'Cowrie', 'Banana Boat', and 'Blue Canoe' are some other hostas with this folded or keeled leaf shape."