It is native to eastern and southern Asia, where it is found in Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, northern and eastern India, southern Japan, Kashmir, Korea, Myanmar, Nepal, and Vietnam.

[5] Quercus glauca is a small to medium-sized evergreen broadleaf tree growing to 15–20 m tall.

The leaves are a distinct deep purple-crimson on new growth, soon turning glossy green above, glaucous blue-green below, 60–13 mm long and 20–50 mm broad, with a serrated margin.

[4] It is planted as an ornamental tree in regions of Europe and North America with mild winters.

When dried and ground into powder they can be mixed with cereals and used as flour.