The simplest depict a man's face peering out of dense foliage. Some may have leaves for hair, perhaps with a leafy beard. Often leaves or leafy shoots are shown growing from his open mouth and sometimes even from the nose and eyes as well. In the most abstract examples, the carving at first glance appears to be merely stylised foliage, with the facial element only becoming apparent on closer examination.

Primarily the Green Man is interpreted as a symbol of rebirth, or "renaissance," representing the cycle of growth each spring.

on the façade of Jackson's Buildings , Church Street, Stoke - installed 1899

on the façade of Lion's furnishing shop, Church Street, Stoke - installed c.1890-1910

ceramic capitals at Stoke Market depicting a Green Man-type face amongst foliage
installed 1900

three of the panels with a face within a design of foliage and scrolls
on the façade of building at corner of Pall Mall, Hanley - installed 1896

close up of the 'green man' face
On façade of restaurant building, Pall Mall, Hanley - installed 1895

On the first storey façade between shop frontages on Percy Street, Hanley
there are two panels depicting Green-Man type faces
- installed late 19th century