It forms large, smooth, grey (pale green when wet) growths that often have abundant red-brown apothecia.

Most records are from eastern North America but there are also isolated probable location records from South America (Bolivia), eastern Asia (China, Korea, Russian Manchuria).

In eastern North America, L. quercizans is found primarily on the bark of deciduous trees, usually maples (Acer species).

In the southern parts of its range A. saccharum (sugar maple) is preferred.

The lichen is used for food and medicine by the Menomini people of Wisconsin.