The meaning of trees in general is of a symbol of permanence, longevity and its firm base symbolises the concept of ‘roots’ and the ongoing relationship of trees with their natural surroundings. Such positive characteristics, properties and attributes of trees lend themselves to being revered.

Native American Meaning of Trees
The following Meaning of Trees list provides details of the significance of each tree together with its meanings and symbolism.

• Ash: The ash symbolizes peace of mind, sacrifice, sensitivity and higher awareness. Helps the digestive system
• Aspen: The Aspen symbolizes clarity of purpose, determination and overcoming fears and doubts. Good for stress, allergies, eczema and neuralgia
• Arbutus: The sacred Arbutus symbolizes knowledge. Helps the digestive system and used as an antiseptic astringent
• Beech: The Beech symbolizes tolerance, past knowledge and softening criticism. Helps the digestive system and for healing wounds, sores and ulcers
• Birch: The Birch symbolizes truth, new beginnings and cleansing of the past. Remedy for eczema and skin allergies
• Cedar: The Cedar symbolizes cleansing, protection, prosperity & healing. Used to help respiratory problems
• Cherry: The Cherry tree symbolizes strong expression, rebirth, new awakenings and compassion. Colds, flu, coughs, fever, headaches, indigestion
• Elm: The Elm symbolizes wisdom, strength of will and intuition. Healing salves for wounds
• Maple: The Maple symbolizes the tree of offering, generosity, balance, promise and practicality. Helps the digestive system
• Oak: The oak symbolizes strength of character and courage. Eases blood problems, improves. circulation and reduces fevers
• Pine: The pine tree symbolizes creativity, peace and harmony. Heals chest, throat and lung infections, colds, flu and sore throats
• Sycamore: Sycamore symbolizes ambition. Astringent
• Willow: The willow symbolizes inner wisdom, an open mind with the stability and strength of age and experience.
  Reduces inflammation, rheumatism, fevers and headaches
• Walnut: The Walnut symbolizes clarity and focus, gathering of energy and beginning new projects
  Skin problems, colds and flu
• White Pine: The White Pine symbolizes serenity. Heals chest, throat infections, colds, flu and sore throats

Meaning of Trees - Prayer and Talking Sticks
Many Native American Indian tribes believe that the qualities and properties of trees brings specific medicine and carry a sacred spark of the Great Spirit. The wood from trees is used to create many sacred items including Talking Sticks and Prayer Sticks. The choice of trees, their meaning and the wood used to make these sacred objects was highly symbolic and their meaning and relevance was significant to the craftsman. Each type of stick was prepared with due respect and ceremony. The wood was carefully chosen for its strength and spirituality and taken from a tree that had special meaning to the person. Permission is always sought from the tree spirit when using its wood to make a talking stick or prayer stick.