Shen Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Grass (cǎo) 蘚 (xian) Kangxi Strokes: 23 Page 1069, Entry 01 Pronounced xian (rising tone). It refers to moss. According to the Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao), it is also known as wuyou or tiles moss. According to the Records of Extraordinary Things (Shuyiji), the moss grass is also called xuanxian. According to the Collection of Rhymes (Yunhui), xian is moss growing on walls. Another source says it is the name of a white grass.