In Red Dead Redemption 2, gathering can be just as important as hunting. There are a total of 43 different plants spread across the game, with uses ranging from horse food to miracle tonics and everything in between. Some items can even be cooked with over a campfire to give your venison and game birds a boost to Health, Stamina or Dead Eye, while others are for tonics that will revive your horse, protect you in gunfights, or just provide a much needed boost before you can get back to camp for a rest. With all the foliage to make use of out there, it can be hard tracking down what you need, and making the best use of it once you do. For a little guidance, here are some pointers on how to spot and use the plants of Red Dead Redemption 2.
Common Plants
Eagle Eye, which highlights plants on the horizon so they can easily be picked, will create a haze of white spores over any that can be gathered. However, you’ll also find it useful to be able to identify them on sight, especially from a distance.
Alaskan Ginseng
Can be crafted into Potent Miracle Tonic
According to the Compendium, Alaskan Ginseng is “usually found in forests and moist areas, growing across Ambarino, and northern West Elizabeth.” Keep an eye out for the small clusters of red berries at the top to spot them from a distance.
American Ginseng
Can be crafted into Potent Miracle Tonic
According to the Compendium, “these plants are native to forests and moist areas, from West Elizabeth to the edges of New Hanover.” You can spot them by their spare stalks and red blossoms, much like their Alaskan counterparts.
Bay Bolete
Can be crafted into Potent Herbivore Bait
According to the Compendium, “Due to the simple condition that this plant needs to grow, it can be found across numerous regions such as Tall Trees, West Elizabeth, and Caliban’s Seat, New Hanover.” Check the wooded areas along the river of Caliban’s Seat if you’re having trouble. You can spot Bay Bolete by its bright orange caps, usually beneath trees but sometimes out in the open, in clusters, as well.
Blackberry
Can be crafted into Potent Predator Bait
According to the Compendium, “the shrubs can grow in poor soil so locations like woodlands, hedges and hillsides make the perfect habitats.” They’re common enough to be found just about anywhere—keep an eye out for bushes with serrated edges especially in grassy areas outside the woods.
Blackcurrant
Can be crafted into Special Snake Oil
According to the Compendium, “they can be found growing in brightly lit positions away from water in Gaptooth Ridge and Cholla Springs in New Austin.” The bushes are medium sized with black glossy berries that can also be used for poison weapons.
Burdock Root
Can be crafted into Special Bitters
According to the Compendium, “they are found in the western side of the Great Plains region, particularly along the railroad tracks and river banks, sometimes near rocks and under groups of trees, but scattered about in general.” The river banks are probably your best bet; they can be identified by their low bushlike, grassy appearance.
Chanterelles
Can be crafted into Potent Herbivore Bait
According to the Compendium, “this type of fungi can often be found in grass areas, woodlands across Lemoyne, and the east of New Hanover.” They have yellow-orange domes and can be found in low-lying clusters, like the Bay Bolete.
Common Bulrush
Can be crafted into Horse Ointment
According to the Compendium, “this plant can be found near streams and lakes in every region across America.” You can identify them by the cat-tails and broad grass stems; check near almost any bank near any body of water to find them.
Creeping Thyme
Can be used in the Thyme Big Game recipe
According to the Compendium, “this plant can often be found growing in thin soil near river banks, sandy soil, and near rocks.” It’s relatively common and can be found usually near other herbs and plants like Oregano and Hummingbird Sage. Keep an eye out for delicate tiny clover-like leaves.
Desert Sage
Can be crafted into Horse Ointment
According to the Compendium, “this type of sage can only be found growing to the west of Gaptooth Ridge, New Austin.” Keep an eye out for delicate clusters of light purple flowers on a tall stem.
English Mace
Can be crafted into Special Health Cure
According to the Compendium, “they can be found growing near the river banks in Rio Bravo, New Austin.” They have tall stems, serrated leaves and light yellow flowers and are easy to spot along the rock and sand of the river beds.
Evergreen Huckleberry
Can be crafted into Potent Predator Bait
According to the Compendium, “the shrubs [can] be found along the Kamassa River that runs through Lemoyne and New Hanover.” Like other berries, they can be found in low shrubs, but are distinguished by their black fruit and sharp leaves.
Golden Currant
Can be crafted into Special Snake Oil
According to the Compendium, the shrubs of this plant “can often be found in foothills and along streams in West Elizabeth and the north-east of New Hanover.” In that area they’re fairly common and should not be too difficult to find along the river banks. Its bushes can be distinguished from other plants and berry shrubs by its golden colored fruit and bright yellow petals.
Hummingbird Sage
Can be consumed to refill your Stamina Core
According to the Compendium, “a common place to spot these herbs is in dry shaded areas, under dense foliage and trees in Lemoyne, the west side of West Elizabeth, as well as both banks of the Kamassa River in New Hanover.” They resemble hummingbird plants, with delicate light purple conical blossoms of tiny flowers that are easy to see from horseback or several yards away. Use them in your cooking over the campfire for a Stamina boost.
Indian Tobacco
Can be crafted into Potent Miracle Tonic
According to the Compendium, “these plants are native to woodlands and savannas and can be found growing in West Elizabeth, Ambarino, and Lemoyne.” They are somewhat tall and can be identified by their lilac-like flowers. As an ingredient in one of the most powerful tonics in the game, they are very important.
Milkweed
Can be consumed to refill your Health Core
According to the Compendium, milkweed is a “popular plant that can be seen growing near the river banks of Bayo Nwa and Dewberry Creek in Lemoyne.” It can easily be found in the swamps outside of Saint Denis.
Oleander Sage
Can be crafted into Poison Throwing Knife
According to the Compendium, “the popular herb can be seen growing near the river banks of Bayou Nwa.” Try the outskirts of Saint Denis in the swamp areas, keeping an eye out for its bright pink-red flowers. Note that it can also be used for other crafted items as well, particularly Poison Arrows.
Oregano
Can be used in the Oregano Plump Bird recipe
According to the Compendium, “this plant thrives in dry grasslands which makes it a popular plant across America as it can be found in most places.” True to description, it is one of the most common plants in the game and can be found just about anywhere. It can be used in cooking to increase Stamina.
Parasol Mushroom
Can be crafted into Special Horse Reviver
According to the Compendium, “this type of mushroom can often be found in well-drained soil and woodlands across America.” They are taller than other mushrooms, and paler, with a thinner and more delicate cap, and are common enough to be found in almost all areas of the map. They’re very important for use in Herbivore Bait.
Prairie Poppy
Can be crafted into Special Snake Oil
According to the Compendium, “this plant is native to Great Plains, West Elizabeth, and can often be found growing near train tracks.” It can be identified by its yellow buttercup-like blossoms in open plains out in West Elizabeth.
Ram’s Head
Can be crafted into Potent Herbivore Bait
According to the Compendium, “this type of fungi can be found growing at the bottom of tree trunks in woodlands and forests in West Elizabeth and Ambarino.” Keep an eye out for its layered cluster formations at the base of trees in more northern regions with sparse foliage, like Ambarino.
Red Raspberry
Can be crafted into Potent Herbivore Bait
According to the Compendium, “due to the simple conditions that this plant requires, shrubs can be found flourishing across most regions of America.” They are larger than the other berry bushes, and relatively common, and can be spotted by their bright red berries. In addition to Potent Herbivore Bait, it can also be used in Predator Bait, making it more valuable and versatile than some of the other plants.
Red Sage
Can be used to refill your Stamina Core
According to the Compendium, “this plant can be spotted in its native habitat of Rio Bravo, New Austin.” It can be identified by red flowers and a long stem and leafy base, and can also be used to make Bitters.
Vanilla Flower
Can be crafted into Potent Herbivore Bait
According to the Compendium, this plant “can be seen growing near the river banks of Bayou Nwa.” It can be spotted growing on the bark of trees at about eye level on swamps in Lemoyne, as a rich vanilla-yellow orchid-like blossom with a bright green vine.
Violet Snowdrops
Can be crafted into Potent Herbivore Bait
According to the Compendium, “this type of plant requires cooler weather which makes the north of Ambarino a great place for this plant to flourish.” Look for its bright purple crocus-like blossoms among the trees on the edge of the snowline in northern regions.
Wild Carrot
Can be crafted into Horse Meal
According to the Compendium, “the durability of this plant means it can be seen growing across most regions of America, often along roads or in fields.” Wide open plains are your best bet, and the white clusters of tiny flowers at the top of the Wild Carrot’s long thin stems should be easy to spot even from horseback. These are very important for keeping your horse happy and in good health.
Wild Feverfew
Can be consumed to refill your Stamina Core
According to the Compendium, “this bush is native to Cholla Springs, New Austin, and is easily recognizable against the harsh soil.” It somewhat resembles a common daisy, with white little petals offset by a large yellow center.
Wild Mint
Can be used in the Minty Prime Beef recipe
According to the Compendium, “this plant is common to marshes, along streams and moist meadows which makes it a popular plant across America.” Its primary use is to season meats at the campfire and will boost your Health when applied to food while cooking. It can be found just about anywhere in the game.
Wintergreen Berry
Can be crafted into Potent Predator Bait
According to the Compendium, “shrubs can be found in woodlands and forests in the northern regions of Ambarino and New Hanover.” It has red berries and dark green leaves and a bush-like structure; look for them while hunting for Violet Snowdrop.
Yarrow
Can be crafted into Potent Health Cure
According to the Compendium, “this plant can be found in grasslands and open forest areas in New Hanover and Lemoyne.” It is recognized by its tall thin stems and deep red flowers.
Orchids
These are listed separately here because the orchids are also part of a bigger quest available after completing The Gilded Cage in Chapter 4. Head to a large ornate hotel and restaurant at an intersection just north of Saint Denis to find Algernon Wasp in a greenhouse in the backyard. As part of the quest Duchesses and Other Animals, he will ask you to gather several rare items, including the orchids.
Note that these can be collected before talking to Algernon Wasp but cannot be sold. Most can be spotted at eye level on trees—keep an eye out for vines leading up to the blossom. Many orchids can be found while hunting for Vanilla Flower. Keep in mind that using Eagle Eye will be less effective than with other plants; the white spores are not as strong and do not have as far of range, meaning you’ll need to be much closer to spot them.
Acuna’s Star Orchid
a trailing plant often found growing around trees
According to the Compendium, this plant “is native to the east coast of Bayou Nwa, Lemoyne” and has lovely cream colored petals. It can be found all over the bayou outside Saint Denis.
Cigar Orchid
identified by the bright yellow petals
According to the Compendium, “this type of plant can be seen growing upon other plants and trees in Bluewater Marsh, Lemoyne” and has hundreds of tiny fluorescent yellow flowers. It can be found mostly on the northeastern shore of Bluewater Marsh.
Clamshell Orchid
identified by the deep purple petals with yellow streaks
According to the Compendium, this plant “is native to Scarlett Meadows and Bayou Nwa, Lemoyne” and can be found growing on tree trunks and branches. It can be gathered largely in the western bay of the Bayou outside Saint Denis.
Dragon’s Mouth Orchid
identifiable by the purple feathers that resemble a dragon
According to the Compendium, “these can usually be found growing in wet lowlands across O’Creagh’s Run, Grizzlies East, Ambarino” and are about six inches long. They’re among the rarest of orchids, but take a look around O’Creagh’s Run in Grizzlies East and some of the surrounding areas.
Ghost Orchid
identifiable by the ghost-like flower
According to the Compendium, this plant is “native to Bayou Nwa, Lemoyne” and grows mostly in shaded areas. Try the southernmost inlets and bays just below Caliga Hall outside of Saint Denis, on the Lannahechee River.
Lady of the Night Orchid
can be identified by the white heart shaped flower
According to the Compendium, this plant “can be found growing upon tree trunks in its native habitat of Bayou Nwa, Lemoyne” and can be spotted by its white, heart-shaped flowers. It can be found all over the banks outside and across Caliga Hall, and on the western bay of the bayou outside Saint Denis.
Lady Slipper Orchid
identified by the pouch-like petal
According to the Compendium, “this type of orchid can be seen growing in the ground in forests, meadows and woodland areas like the Big Valley and Tall Trees areas of West Elizabeth.” Try the open spaces in the wooded areas of Big Valley.
Moccasin Flower Orchid
identified by the yellow pouch like petal
According to the Compendium, “there have been sightings of this orchid growing in Roanoke Ridge, New Hanover” and it can be found near pines and conifers. There’s specifically a large group of them outside Elysian Pool, to the southeast.
Night Scented Orchid
can be found growing upon another plant
According to the Compendium, this plant is “is native to swampland areas and can be found growing in Bayou Nwa, Lemoyne” and can be recognized by its long tapered white petals. It can be found all along the banks of the Lannahechee River, south of Rhodes and the Braithwaite Manor.
Queen’s Orchid
a rare and valuable plant
According to the Compendium, “is native to swampland areas and can be found growing in Bayou Nwa, Lemoyne.” It is among the prettiest of the orchids, with bulbous purple and white curled petals. It is among the few orchids that can be found out in the open growing from the ground. Look for it all around the banks of Lagras Lakay outside of Saint Denis.
Rat Tail Orchid
identified by their long petals
According to the Compendium, these orchids “can often be found growing on rocks and along stream banks of Bayou Nwa, Lemoyne”, both from the ground and on trees, unlike most other specimens. The petals are white or cream colored, and are splayed out in a way that slightly resembles pine needles. A large group of the flowers can be found all over from Bluewater Marsh down to Bayou Nwa outside of Saint Denis.
Sparrow’s Egg Orchid
identifiable by the petals that form the shape of an egg
According to the Compendium, “the common habitats for these flowers are damp forest grounds and along stream banks across Roanoke Ridge, New Hanover” and they have a bulbous white center that resembles an egg. They can be found scattered all over Annesburg, north of Saint Denis.
Spider Orchid
a rare flower native to Bayou Nwa, Lemoyne
According to the Compendium, “these flowers can often be found in swamp lands or damp forest grounds in Bayou Nwa, Lemoyne” and are distinguished by petals that resemble the legs of a spider. They can be found all over the westernmost part of Bayou Nwa, along the Kamassa River.
Holly Green is the assistant editor of Paste Games and a reporter and semiprofessional photographer. She is also the author of Fry Scores: An Unofficial Guide To Video Game Grub. You can find her work at Gamasutra, Polygon, Unwinnable, and other videogame news publications.