Defensively speaking, against most types, the Grass type are risky to use. Template:Type2 moves (and to a lesser extent Template:Type2 moves) are commonly carried by special attackers. It is also weak to Template:Type2 and Template:Type2 moves. Given all of this, along with their exposure to a majority of the types (five, tied with Rock-types), Grass-types are difficult to switch into play. Most of their resistances are of little use. For example, Template:Type2s are able to use Ice Beam, which can cripple Grass-types. They are resistant to Ground but many of them are half Poison-type, which would neutralize their resistance to the powerful and popular Earthquake. Almost every Electric-type can now learn Signal Beam.
In spite of their defensive flaws, it is typical for Grass-types to learn Leech Seed, among other disabling moves. This enables these Pokémon to provide support to the rest of their team, and can make them difficult to faint. In addition, a particular asset of this type is being the only one immune to Leech Seed. However, it can be affected by Leech Seed if the previous Pokémon was seeded and has Baton Passed into a Grass-type Pokémon. Also, resistances to Water, Electric and even Template:Type2 help the Grass type to block common moves.
Offensively, Grass-types have problems. The main problem Grass-type moves face is that nearly all of the few Pokémon they are advantageous against are also weak to moves of other types, hence making them seem dwarfed by the other moves. Other problems are that too many Pokémon types resist these moves to rely on them as a main form of dealing damage, and most of them aren't very powerful. Even then, most of the powerful moves have drawbacks, which can cause more trouble. For example, Leaf Storm sharply lowers Special Attack, Wood Hammer causes recoil damage, and Frenzy Plant requires a turn to recharge after being used. Making matters worse, the majority of Grass-types have very narrow movesets, often where the only damage-dealing level up moves are Grass-type and Template:Type2 moves. (As seen in Pokémon such as Meganium, Cherrim and Sunflora). Another problem is that double resistances to Grass are extremely common, even more so than double weaknesses. (To compare, 21 Pokémon are doubly weak to Grass, while 66 Pokémon doubly resist it.)
Grass-type Pokémon seem to be affected by weather conditions more than most other Pokémon, due to their closeness with plants and nature. Most power up under intense sunlight, while a few others work best under other conditions. Pokémon such as Ludicolo in heavy rain, Cacturne in sandstorms or Abomasnow in hailstorms are such Grass-types.
When used in contests, Grass-type moves typically become Smart moves, but can also be any of the other four Contest types.
In total, there are 56 Pokémon with the Grass type.
