Bulbasaur (Pokémon)

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Bulbasaur フシギダネ Fushigidane #001
Artwork from FR/LG
Type Grass Poison Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Seed Pokémon
Ability Overgrow Blue-Striped -----	Exp. at Lv. 100 1,059,860
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #001 Johto #226 Hoenn #203 Sinnoh Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R— Almia R— Oblivia
Height 2′04″ Imperial 0.7 m Metric 2′04″/0.7 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 15.2 lbs. Imperial 6.9 kg Metric 15.2 lbs./6.9 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Green	Catch rate 45 (5.9%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown Gender unknown
Breeding Monster and Plant groups 1 cycles (255 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 Base Exp.: 64 Battle Exp.: 641*
External links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Bulbasaur (Japanese: フシギダネ Fushigidane) is a Grass/Poison-type Pokémon. Along with Charmander and Squirtle, it is one of three starter Pokémon the player receives at the beginning of Pokémon Red, Pokémon Green, Pokémon Blue, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, and is the first Pokémon numerically in the Kanto and National Dexes, as well as the Browser.

Bulbasaur comes with the Ability Overgrow, which increases the power of Grass-type attacks by 50% once the Pokémon has less than one-third of its maximum HP.

Bulbasaur evolves via level, into Ivysaur starting at Level 16, then into Venusaur starting at Level 32. It is interesting to note that Bulbasaur is the only one of the original starters to become its third form at twice the experience level of its second form, while both Charmander and Squirtle become their final forms at Level 36 instead. It is also interesting to note that, while many of the starter Pokémon recieve additional types upon evolution, Bulbasaur is the only one among them to have two types in its basic form.

Biology

Physiology

Bulbasaur is a reptilian creature resembling a toad or dinosaur. Its most notable feature, though, is the bulb on its back, which grows from a seed planted on its back when it is born. The bulb is similar to Paras mushrooms which are also planted at birth, however, Bulbasaur and its plant share a symbiotic relationship rather than a parasitic one. It could also perhaps be distantly related to two other Grass-type starters, Chikorita and Turtwig, but Bulbasaur seems to only be closely related to its evolutions.

Bulbasaur usually walk around on four legs, but in this stage they also have the ability to rise up on their hind legs.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

Bulbasaur has a variety of Grass-type abilities granted to it by the bulb growing on its back. Powders, scents, petals, and seeds can come from the very tip of the bulb, and vines and leaves can come from the base. By manipulating these into moves like Leech Seed, Vine Whip, Razor Leaf, Petal Dance, and Sweet Scent, Bulbasaur have quite an arsenal at their disposal thanks to the bulb.

The bulb also absorbs sunlight. This is extremely useful, since the sunlight can be turned into health through Synthesis or launched at the opponent as a powerful SolarBeam.

Behavior

Most are domestic Pokémon, raised to be distributed as starters by Professor Oak. As such, they are regarded as well-behaved Pokémon They are often considered the easiest Pokémon to start with, since they are strong and not likely to misbehave, and also have a type-advantage over the first two Kanto Gym Leaders.

They can often have a strong loyalty streak. In The Mystery Menace, a Bulbasaur was abandoned by its trainer in the sewers, where it lived for many years. When it finally returned to the surface, it was not upset about being abandoned by its trainer. In fact, it was simply glad to see him again.

Habitat

File:Grassland.gif

Grassland Pokémon

Bulbasaur are scarce in the wild. Sometimes they can be found in secret places such as gardens, plains near large sources of fresh water, or hiding in the forest in hollow logs, but overall they are found far more often in the ownership of trainers.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

Much like most Pokémon, Bulbasaur appears to be an omnivore. However, in times of scarcity, it does not need to eat much food, since the bulb on its back can store energy from the sun.

In the anime

File:Ash's Bulbasaur.jpg

Ash's Bulbasaur using Vine Whip

Bulbasaur was mentioned in the first episode of the anime, Pokémon, I Choose You, as one of the three options new trainers in Pallet Town can choose from.

A real Bulbasaur first appeared in Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village, as one of the Pokémon in the Hidden Village. Ash caught it, and it became an important part of his team until Bulbasaur... the Ambassador, when Ash sent him to Professor Oak's lab to work as an ambassador between otherwise argumentative groups of Pokémon.

Ash wasn't the only main anime character to own a Bulbasaur. In Grass Hysteria, May also caught one. In The Right Place and the Right Mime, May too left her Bulbasaur at Professor Oak's lab to learn from Ash's while she and Ash's group travelled throughout the Battle Frontier in Kanto.

A Bulbasaur that used to belong to the Mayor of Trovitopolis appeared in The Mystery Menace. In his childhood, the mayor abandoned his Bulbasaur and sent it into the sewers when it wouldn't evolve into Ivysaur. Aided by Misty and Tracey, Ash, while searching for his missing Bulbasaur, found the abandoned Bulbasaur. After defeating the arrogant mayor and his personal SWAT team, Ash and company left the Bulbasaur with Nurse Joy.

In Journey to the Starting Line, Gilbert, the son of the mayor of Pallet Town, was supposed to start his journey as a Pokémon Trainer with one of the three Kanto Starter Pokémon, but they were scared off by Ash's Tauros. Professor Oak, Tracey, Delia and Gilbert set out to find them. The Bulbasaur was the last one to be found and it was stuck in a tree that was surrounded by a group of Primeape. In the end, Bulbasaur was the one that Gilbert decided to start with.

In the manga

In Pokémon PiPiPi Adventure, Pistachio has a Bulbasaur named Danerina. She has a crush on him and is extremely jealous whenever she sees him talking to other females.

Ash's Bulbasaur is shown in several chapters of the Electric Tale of Pikachu.

In the Pokémon Special manga

In the Red, Green & Blue chapter, Red receives a Bulbasaur from Professor Oak in Bulbasaur, Come Home! after helping capture all the Pokémon he accidentally set free. Bulbasaur has since evolved into Ivysaur, and then to Venusaur. It has also been shown in the manga that Bulbasaur also has the ability to suck in air through its bulb (as seen in chapter 14 where it sucked up the mist in the ghost tower as well as the Gastly that made it).

In the TCG

Main article: Bulbasaur (TCG)

Other appearances

Super Smash Bros. Melee

Bulbasaur only appears as a random trophy.

Trophy information

Bulbasaur is a cute Pokémon born with a large seed firmly affixed to its back; the seed grows in size as the Pokémon does. Along with Squirtle and Charmander, Bulbasaur is one of the three Pokémon available at the beginning of Pokémon Red and Blue. It evolves into Ivysaur.

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this Pokémon. Blue Yellow It can go for days without eating a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy. Stadium The bulb-like pouch on its back grows larger as it ages. The pouch is filled with numerous seeds.
Generation II Gold The seed on its back is filled with nutrients. The seed grows steadily larger as its body grows. Silver It carries a seed on its back right from birth. As it grows older, the seed also grows larger. Crystal While it is young, it uses the nutrients that are stored in the seeds on its back in order to grow. Stadium 2 The seed on its back is filled with nutrients. The seed grows steadily larger as its body grows.
Generation III Ruby Bulbasaur can be seen napping in bright sunlight. There is a seed on its back. By soaking up the sun's rays, the seed grows progressively larger. Sapphire Bulbasaur can be seen napping in bright sunlight. There is a seed on its back. By soaking up the sun's rays, the seed grows progressively larger. Emerald Bulbasaur can be seen napping in bright sunlight. There is a seed on its back. By soaking up the sun's rays, the seed grows progressively larger. FireRed There is a plant seed on its back right from the day this Pokémon is born. The seed slowly grows larger. LeafGreen A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this Pokémon.
Generation IV Diamond For some time after its birth, it grows by gaining nourishment from the seed on its back. Pearl For some time after its birth, it grows by gaining nourishment from the seed on its back. Platinum {{{platinumdex}}} HeartGold {{{heartgolddex}}} SoulSilver {{{soulsilverdex}}}
Generation V Black {{{blackdex}}} White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 {{{black2dex}}} White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red Blue One Starter Pokémon from Professor Oak in Pallet Town Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow One Received from a girl in Cerulean City if Pikachu's happiness is high enough
Generation II Gold Silver None Trade Crystal None Trade
Generation III Ruby Sapphire None Trade Emerald None Trade FireRed LeafGreen One Starter Pokémon from Professor Oak in Pallet Town Colosseum None Trade XD None Trade
Generation IV Diamond Pearl None Pal Park Platinum None Trade HeartGold SoulSilver None Trade Pal Park Field Pokéwalker None
Generation V Black White None Trade Black 2 White 2 None Trade Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Stadium	Gym Leader Castle
Pokémon Snap	River
Pokémon Channel	Bus Stop
Pokémon Trozei	Phobos Train Endless level 16 Trozei Battle Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon	Starter Pokémon Joyous Tower (1F-5F)
Pokémon Ranger	Lyra Forest

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 45		105 - 152	200 - 294
Attack: 49		48 - 111	92 - 216
Defense: 49		48 - 111	92 - 216
Sp. Atk: 65		63 - 128	121 - 251
Sp. Def: 65		63 - 128	121 - 251
Speed: 45		45 - 106	85 - 207
Total: 318	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature. This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 65.

Type effectiveness

In Generation I, the effectiveness of Bug-type moves is 400.

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation I Level Move Type Start Tackle Growl 7 Leech Seed 13 Vine Whip 20 PoisonPowder 27 Razor Leaf 34 Growth 41 Sleep Powder 48 SolarBeam

Generation II Level Move Type Start Tackle 4 Growl 7 Leech Seed 10 Vine Whip 15 PoisonPowder Sleep Powder 20 Razor Leaf 25 Sweet Scent 32 Growth 39 Synthesis 46 SolarBeam

Generation III Level Move Type Start Tackle 4 Growl 7 Leech Seed 10 Vine Whip 15 PoisonPowder Sleep Powder 20 Razor Leaf 25 Sweet Scent 32 Growth 39 Synthesis 46 SolarBeam

Generation IV Level Move Type Cat. Start Tackle 3 Growl 7 Leech Seed 9 Vine Whip 13 PoisonPowder Sleep Powder 15 Take Down 19 Razor Leaf 21 Sweet Scent 25 Growth 27 Double Edge 31 Worry Seed 33 Synthesis 37 Seed Bomb

By TM/HM

Generation I # Move Type TM03 Swords Dance TM06 Toxic TM08 Body Slam TM09 Take Down TM10 Double-Edge TM20 Rage TM21 Mega Drain TM22 SolarBeam TM31 Mimic TM32 Double Team TM33 Reflect TM34 Bide TM44 Rest TM50 Substitute HM01 Cut

Generation II # Move Type TM02 Headbutt TM03 Curse Unknown TM06 Toxic TM10 Hidden Power TM11 Sunny Day TM12 Sweet Scent TM13 Snore TM17 Protect TM19 Giga Drain TM20 Endure TM21 Frustration TM22 SolarBeam TM27 Return TM31 Mud-Slap TM32 Double Team TM34 Swagger TM35 Sleep Talk TM40 Defense Curl TM44 Rest TM45 Attract TM49 Fury Cutter HM01 Cut HM05 Flash

Generation III # Move Type TM06 Toxic TM09 Bullet Seed TM10 Hidden Power TM11 Sunny Day TM17 Protect TM19 Giga Drain TM21 Frustration TM22 SolarBeam TM27 Return TM32 Double Team TM36 Sludge Bomb TM42 Facade TM43 Secret Power TM44 Rest TM45 Attract HM01 Cut HM04 Strength HM05 Flash HM06 Rock Smash

Generation IV # Move Type Cat. TM06 Toxic TM09 Bullet Seed TM10 Hidden Power TM11 Sunny Day TM17 Protect TM19 Giga Drain TM21 Frustration TM22 SolarBeam TM27 Return TM32 Double Team TM36 Sludge Bomb TM42 Facade TM43 Secret Power TM44 Rest TM45 Attract TM53 Energy Ball TM58 Endure TM70 Flash TM75 Swords Dance TM78 Captivate TM82 Sleep Talk TM83 Natural Gift TM86 Grass Knot TM87 Swagger TM90 Substitute HM01 Cut HM04 Strength HM06 Rock Smash

By breeding

Move	Type	Cat.	Father
Amnesia			Slowpoke, Slowbro Snorlax
Charm*			Shroomish, Breloom
Curse	Unknown		Slowpoke, Slowbro, Slowking Turtwig, Grotle, Torterra
GrassWhistle			Sunkern, Sunflora Roselia Snover, Abomasnow
Ingrain			Tangela, Tangrowth Sunkern, Sunflora Roselia Cacnea, Cacturne Carnivine Snover, Abomasnow
Leaf Storm			Victreebel Exeggutor Bellossom Sunflora Grovyle, Sceptile Shiftry Tropius Turtwig, Grotle, Torterra
Light Screen			Chikorita, Bayleef, Meganium
Magical Leaf			Chikorita, Bayleef, Meganium Roselia, Roserade Tropius Cherubi, Cherrim
Nature Power			Lotad, Lombre, Ludicolo Seedot, Nuzleaf
Petal Dance			Venusaur Oddish, Gloom, Vileplume Meganium Sunflora Roselia Cherrim
Safeguard			Lapras Chikorita, Bayleef, Meganium
Skull Bash			Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise
*Indicates moves only available through chain breeding.

By tutoring

Move	Type	Cat.	Version
Body Slam			FR	LG	E
Double-Edge			FR	LG	E
Mimic			FR	LG	E
Substitute			FR	LG	E
Swords Dance			FR	LG	E
Defense Curl					E
Endure					E
Fury Cutter					E
Mud-Slap					E
Sleep Talk					E
Snore					E
Swagger					E

TCG-only Moves

• Bite

Anime only

Move	Pokémon
Tickle	Ash's Bulbasaur
Whirlwind	Ash's Bulbasaur
Dig	Ash's Bulbasaur

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow		Red (Ja)	Green	Back
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal				Back
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald		FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum		HeartGold	SoulSilver	Back
V	Black	White	Black 2	White 2			Back

For other sprites and images, please see Bulbasaur images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

• Bulbasaur is the only starter Pokémon that learns the move Vine Whip by leveling up.
• Bulbasaur is the only starter Pokémon that is dual-type from the first evolution stage.
• Bulbasaur's evolution family is the only starter Pokémon evolution family that has each member appear at least once in the Super Smash Bros. series.

Origin

Bulbasaur appears to be similar to a dinosaur and may be based on one. The saur in its English name supports this, since dinosaur names often have saur suffixed. Bulbasaur is also very similar to a frog.

Name origin

Bulbasaur's name is a combination of the words bulb and saur, which is Greek for lizard. Its Japanese name literally means it's strange, isn't it?, and is a pun on, 不思議種 fushigidane, strange seed.

In other languages

• German: Bisasam - Derived from Bisamratte (musk rat) and Samen (seed).
• French: Bulbizarre - A combination of bulb and bizarre, reflected by the Japanese name, a pun on "Isn't it strange?".
• Korean: 이상해씨 Isanghaessi - Translates to Strange Seed.
• Chinese (Taiwan): 妙蛙種子 Mìao Wa Chóng Zí ("strange frog seed child")
• Chinese (Hong Kong): 奇異種子 Qí Yì Chóng Zí ("very strange seed child")

Related articles

• Ash's Bulbasaur
• May's Bulbasaur
• Danerina

External links

• Article on Wikipedia
• Vine Whip, the fanlisting for Bulbasaur at The Anime Fanlistings Network

First partner trios

Kanto

Bulbasaur

Charmander

Squirtle

Johto

Chikorita

Cyndaquil

Totodile

Hoenn

Treecko

Torchic

Mudkip

Sinnoh

Turtwig

Chimchar

Piplup

Unova

Snivy

Tepig

Oshawott

Kalos

Chespin

Fennekin

Froakie

Alola

Rowlet

Litten

Popplio

Galar

Grookey

Scorbunny

Sobble

Paldea

Sprigatito

Fuecoco

Quaxly

See also: player's first Pokémon

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This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon as a species.