What kind of trees are these?

Question

When I was like 13, I went to a national park with the girl scouts and there were stands of (possibly white-barked) very skinny trees that grew close together. The guide told us that they grow from one root system. Does anyone know what kind of tree he was talking about? I've been trying to figure this out for like 5 days now and had no luck :-(

Answer 1

It was likely Quaking Aspen as these meet your physical description and they are famous for growing many suckers (new stems off of the same root system).  Here's a photo of quaking aspens so you can compare:  http://www.birdandhike.com/Veg/Species/T...

Answer 2

Tall thin skinny trees growing in clumps are usually silver birches, with a silvery white bark.

gaynor

Answer 3

Hello Jana:

Depending on the location of that camp, the trees may be quaking aspens, birch, or poplars. Aspen trees are known to propagate by root, and one root system can cover hundreds of acres.