The obverse of the medal shows shows a stark sun-baked landscape with Elzéard Bouffier planting acorns. The border bears his name in relief, punctuated by an acorn and beech nut seal. The centre is concave in form to give emphasis to the poverty stricken land.

The reverse shows the happy flourishing land that resulted from his efforts. This is modelled on a convex form to give rise to the richness of the forest. On the rim, THE MAN WHO PLANTED TREES is written intaglio.