Shen Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Grass (cǎo) Yao Kangxi Strokes: 15 Page 1047, Entry 04 Pronounced yao. Book of Odes (Shijing), Bin Odes: In the fourth month, the yao grass blooms. Commentary: Yao is the yao grass. Explanatory Notes: The maturation of things begins with the blooming of the yao. Collection of Explanations for the Book of Odes: In the fourth month, the yang energy reaches its zenith above, and the faint yin energy is already gestating below; the yao senses this and blooms early. The Mao commentary does not specify what kind of grass it is. Zheng suspects it is the wang fu plant. The Shuowen Jiezi cites the theory of Liu Xiang, stating it is the bitter yao. Also refers to the appearance of lush grass. History of the Former Han (Qian Hanshu), Treatises on Rites and Music: Lush grass is the yao, and the dodder spreads. Pronounced yao. Erya, Explanations of Plants: Yao-rao is the ji-yuan plant. Note: This is the present-day yuanzhi (polygala). Pronounced yao. Also refers to the appearance of lush grass.