Of the many grueling challenges that Arthur Morgan and John Marston undertake across the vast expanse of Red Dead Redemption 2’s America, few are as deceptively simple yet utterly maddening as Herbalist Challenge 6. The directive is straightforward: “Pick one of each type of common wildflower.” Yet, this single sentence belies a monumental task that pushes the limits of a player’s patience, observational skills, and geographical knowledge. This guide is not just a list of locations; it is a companion for the journey, an ode to the painstaking beauty of this particular trial.
Understanding the Task: The "Common Wildflowers"
First, it is crucial to define the targets. “Common wildflowers” is a specific in-game category encompassing nine distinct plants. These are not the exotic orchids of the Bayou nor the rare Agarita of the desert night. They are the colorful, often overlooked blossoms that dot the landscape from the heartlands of New Hanover to the grizzlies of Ambarino.
The nine common wildflowers you must collect one of are:
- Blackcurrant
- Burdock Root
- Chanterelles
- Creek Plum
- Oleander Sage (Note: Only found in Lemoyne)
- Oregano
- Parasol Mushroom
- Prairie Poppy
- Wild Carrot
Yes, you read that correctly. The game classifies mushrooms, roots, and herbs like oregano in this category. This broad definition is the first hurdle. You are not just looking for pretty flowers; you are foraging for a diverse set of botanicals.
The Hunter's Mindset: Preparation and Strategy
Before you embark, adopt the right mindset.
- Eagle Eye is Your Best Friend: This ability is non-negotiable. Constantly tap it (R3/Right Stick) while scanning the landscape. Plants will glow a brilliant gold, making them visible from horseback through dense grass or behind rocks.
- Time of Day and Weather: While most common plants are available at all times, some, like the Parasol Mushroom, can be slightly easier to spot in daylight. Rain can sometimes make the shimmering effect in Eagle Eye less distinct.
- The Satchel is Your Logbook: Open your satchel frequently (Items > Kit > Herbs). The game will check off each variety as you pick it. This is the only way to track your progress, as the challenge menu itself doesn’t list the individual species.
- Patience, Cowboy: This is not a race. It is a slow, methodical exploration of the world. Ride off the main paths, climb hills, and investigate every shimmer you see.
A Regional Guide to the Wildflowers
While these plants can spawn in many locations, certain areas offer higher concentrations and reliable spawn points.
1. The Heartlands (New Hanover) This is your prime hunting ground. The open, rolling fields between Valentine and Emerald Ranch are exceptionally rich in common wildflowers.
- Blackcurrant & Burdock Root: Frequently found along the bases of trees and rock formations throughout the region.
- Oregano & Wild Carrot: Abundant in the open fields. Wild Carrot is easily identified by its white, umbrella-like flower cluster.
- Prairie Poppy: Look for its distinctive yellow flowers in the dry, grassy areas. The fields around the Heartland Oil Fields are a great spot.
- Parasol Mushroom: Check in the damp, shaded areas under clusters of trees.
2. Cumberland Forest & Big Valley (West Elizabeth) The forested areas and the lush fields of Big Valley are fantastic secondary locations.
- Chanterelles: These orange mushrooms thrive in the damp soil of forests. Focus on the ground under the dense canopy of Cumberland Forest, especially around the Little Creek River.
- Creek Plum: As the name suggests, look for these small, white-flowered bushes near streams and riverbanks throughout both areas.
- All Other Herbs: The open meadow in Big Valley, near Hanging Dog Ranch, is a spectacularly fertile area for almost every common plant.
3. The Swamps of Lemoyne A necessary but dangerous detour.
- Oleander Sage: This is the outlier. It only grows in the swampy areas of Lemoyne, notably around Lakay and the shorelines of Bayou Nwa. It has distinctive red stems and leaves. WARNING: This plant is poisonous and is used to craft poison weapons. It will deplete your health core if consumed directly. Also, be exceedingly wary of the local wildlife—alligators—and the murfree brood-like inhabitants of the swamp.
4. Roanoke Ridge & Grizzlies East (New Hanover/Ambarino) The more mountainous and forested northeast is excellent for varieties that prefer shade and moisture.
- Burdock Root & Chanterelles: The damp, rocky terrain along the Kamassa River and the forests of Roanoke Ridge are ideal.
- Blackcurrant: Very common along the tracks and trails in this region.
The Itinerant Herbalist's Route
A suggested route to maximize efficiency:
- Start in the Heartlands. Fully comb the area, collecting Oregano, Wild Carrot, Prairie Poppy, Burdock Root, and Blackcurrant.
- Ride west into Big Valley. Search the forest edges for Chanterelles and Parasol Mushrooms, and the riverbanks for Creek Plum. The open field will have more of the Heartlands varieties if you missed any.
- Journey south to Lemoyne. Carefully collect your Oleander Sage from the swamps and get out quickly.
- Head northeast through Cumberland Forest and into Roanoke Ridge to scour for any remaining mushrooms or rarer spawns of the other plants.
Completion and Reward
Upon picking the final unique plant, the challenge will complete. Your reward is a tangible gameplay benefit: herbs you pick will now restore more of your Dead Eye core. This is a permanent upgrade, making it a worthy investment for the dedicated frontiersman.
Herbalist 6 is more than a checklist; it is a deliberate, slow-burn tour of the game’s most beautiful ecosystems. It forces you to appreciate the incredible detail Rockstar poured into its botany—the way plants sway in the wind, their unique shapes, and their precise placements in the ecosystem. The frustration of searching for that last elusive Creek Plum bush is ultimately washed away by the profound satisfaction of knowing you’ve truly seen, and understood, a little more of this digital wilderness. So saddle up, activate Eagle Eye, and embrace the quiet life of a collector. The prairie awaits.
