Chinese Elm 'Todd'
Botanical Name: Ulmus parvifolia 'Todd'
Family: Ulmaceae
Origin: East Asia (China, Korea, Japan)
Plant Type: Deciduous to semi-evergreen tree
Overview
‘Todd’ is a refined Chinese Elm selection for Adelaide—tough, heat-tolerant and beautifully textured. It carries small, glossy leaves on a neat, upright canopy, then shows gold to yellow-orange autumn colour before a light winter leaf drop (often semi-evergreen in coastal suburbs). The mottled, exfoliating bark (grey, cream, cinnamon) adds year-round interest and street-tree polish.
Key Features
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Mature Size: 6–10 m H × 4–6 m W (smaller with formative pruning)
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Growth Rate: 40-80 cm per year under good conditions
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Foliage: Small, glossy deep-green leaves; fine twigging for a tidy outline
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Flowers: Inconspicuous, greenish (late summer–early autumn)
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Seasonal Interest: Exfoliating bark year-round; autumn colour; light winter leaf drop; fresh spring flush
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Wildlife Value: Nesting/roost sites for small birds; modest nectar/pollen value; seeds (samaras) may feed birds
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Tolerance: Drought, heat, wind & coastal tolerant once established; light–moderate frost hardy; urban/pollution tolerant; broad soil adaptability including limestone/alkaline; high resistance to elm pests/diseases
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Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 1 tree per 16–25 m² (4–5 m apart), depending on canopy goal
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Pet Friendly: Yes — generally regarded as non-toxic
Where It Works Best
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Sunlight: Full sun (best structure and colour); tolerates light part shade
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Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or improved clay; avoid chronic waterlogging
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Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer (more in heatwaves); monthly in winter if dry
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Maintenance: Formative prune in the first 2–3 years for clear trunk and balanced canopy; remove crossing/suckers as needed; light feed in early spring; mulch annually to conserve moisture
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Lifespan: 30-60+ years
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Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
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Soil pH: Slightly acidic to alkaline
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Street and driveway avenues—uniform, upright habit with handsome bark
- Lawn or courtyard shade tree with dappled light and tidy outline
- Pairs well with Mediterranean plantings (westringia, rosemary, olives)
Why You Will Love It
A handsome, low-fuss shade tree that shrugs off Adelaide heat and limestone soils, gives autumn colour, and shows striking patchwork bark all year. ‘Todd’ delivers classic elm elegance without high maintenance—ideal for avenues, verges and modern family gardens.
