Cassiope tetragona, commonly known as Arctic bell-heather or white Arctic mountain heather, is an evergreen dwarf shrub native to the Arctic tundra and alpine regions, including northern Norway, Greenland, and across the northern hemisphere. It typically grows 4-8 inches tall and is characterized by its strongly branched habit and small, scale-like leaves that are adapted to the harsh, cold environment. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer, producing solitary, bell-shaped flowers that are white, sometimes tinged with pink, and are modestly showy. The flowers are followed by small capsule fruits.

Arctic bell-heather is valued for its resilience in extreme cold and its ability to add delicate beauty to rock gardens and alpine collections. It is also used in traditional practices by indigenous peoples; for example, in Greenland, it serves as a fuel source due to its high resin content, which allows it to burn even when wet. In culinary applications, it has been utilized as a smoked herb, as demonstrated by Canadian chef Louis Charest at the 2016 Three Amigos Summit state dinner. Cultivation requires well-drained, acidic soil, consistent moisture, and full sun to part shade conditions. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, its specialized habitat needs can make it a challenging plant for the average gardener.CC BY-SA 4.0