Despite its moniker, the ponytail palm—named for the bouncy spray of leaves atop its “head”—actually doesn’t belong among palm plants, being a semi-succulent species instead. Not a one-trick pony, it ...

Walnut Creek’s Ruth Bancroft is a national authority on drought-resistant gardening. Twice a month, she and her staff share their knowledge with readers. Q I read the Ruth’s Tips column regarding ...