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Bulbasaur(JP) is a species of Pokémon in the series of the same name. It is a dual-type Grass/Poison Pokémon that made its first appearance in the first generation games Red and Blue.

Physiology and Behaviour[]

Bulbasaur is a primary reptilian creature, but it also shares several traits with amphibians. It has a blue-green body, with several spots in a darker shade of the same color. The most prominent feature is the big flower bulb on its back, apparently originating from a seed planted there at birth. The bulb is vital for Bulbasaur's growth, by providing it with the nutrients needed, and it also grows along with Bulbasaur by using the energy from the rays of the sun. Because of this, it enjoys laying in the sunlight. Bulbasaurs have red eyes and are often seen smiling, revealing two small fangs, one on each side of the mouth. There is no noticeable differences between male and female Bulbasaurs.

Bulbasaurs appear very scarce in the wild, at least in regions inhabited by Pokémon Trainers, where they are regarded as rare and coveted. The few Bulbasaurs that appear here are breed to be given to new trainers as their first Pokémon. In other regions however, such as the Pokémon Ranger inhabited regions, they are more common. Here Bulbasaurs live in areas such as forests and plains, or along fresh rivers.

Appearances[]

Main Pokémon games[]

Bulbasaur is one of the three starter Pokémon in the Kanto region. It thus appears rarely outside of the games taking place there. In Pokémon Red and Blue, as well as Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, Bulbasaur can be received as the player's first Pokémon. It can also be gotten in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, where Kanto can be visited in the later half of the game. Here Professor Oak lets the player choose one of the three Kanto starters after having defeated the strongest trainer. In Pokémon Yellow, a game based on the anime, Bulbasaur can be received in a slightly different way. As the player starts with a Pikachu, similar to Ash Ketchum, the protagonist in the anime, Bulbasaur is instead given to the player by a girl in Cerulean City. She does however require the player's Pikachu to be happy enough.

Other Pokémon games[]

Bulbasaur appears more frequently in the side games, where starter Pokémon don't appear in the same fashion. In the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games Bulbasaurs appear in the wild in addition to being one of the possible starters. Bulbasaur can also be seen in the wild in Pokémon Snap as well as in Pokémon Ranger and Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Sign. Moreover it can be seen as a toy in Pokémon Rumble and a type of block in Pokémon Trozei!.

Super Smash Bros. series[]

Bulbasaur has only appeared in the Super Smash Bros. series as a trophy, though both in Melee and Brawl. Its evolved form, Ivysaur is playable in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Trophy descriptions[]

Bulbasaur (Melee)

"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 three Pokémon available at the beginning of Pokémon Red & Blue. It evolves first into Ivysaur and ultimately into Venusaur."

Bulbasaur (Brawl)

"A Seed Pokémon. From birth, Bulbasaur carries a large plant seed on its back. It uses the nutrients from the seed to grow bigger and bigger. Extended exposure to the sun will cause its body and seed to grow in size. Some say that once, when the seed was much lighter, Bulbasaur was able to get around on two legs. Bulbasaur evolves into Ivysaur."

In the anime[]

Ash's Bulbasaur

Ash Ketchum's Bulbasaur

Bulbasaur has appeared and continues to appear frequently in the anime, most importantly it has owned by two main characters. Ash Ketchum caught one early in the series, and it remained an important member of his team until late in his Johto adventures and made subsequent guest appearances ever since. This Bulbasaur was raised in a village that cared for abandoned Pokémon and grew up to become their protector. After joining Ash, he continued to be a responsible leader, and would eventually leave Ash's team to help out at Professor Oak's laboratory. Bulbasaur is, next to Pikachu, the Pokémon that has stayed with him the longest, and they have a close bond. Interestingly, Bulbasaur refused to evolve even though the process had begun.

May would eventually catch a Bulbasaur as well. This female Bulbasaur had a gentler personality than Ash's and was a bit clumsy. It would eventually evolve all the way into Venusaur during her travels without Ash.

In Pokémon Generations, Red's Bulbasaur was sent out to battle a wild Pikachu, which Red successfully caught.

A Bulbasaur appeared in The Gathering of Stars, under the ownership of Honey.

Bulbasaur made cameos in Pokétoon and Pokémon Evolutions.

Multiple Bulbasaur appeared in the Detective Pikachu movie. After Detective Pikachu was injured in the garden of giant Torterra, they and a group of Morelull escorted Tim Goodman, Lucy, and Pikachu to Mewtwo, who healed it.

Multiple Bulbasaur appeared in the music video for Celestial by Ed Sheeran.

Origin and inspiration[]

Bulbasaur does not seem to have any single specific source of inspiration. The relationship between Bulbasaur and the bulb on its back might however be based on the concept of symbiosis. The seed supplies Bulbasaur with nutrients when young, and acts as en energy reserve for its host. In turn Bulbasaur acts a mean of protection. Based on its habit of napping in the sunlight, it may thus also guarantee the plant to be in the direct sunlight, so that it can store energy and grow. Bulbasaur's appearance seems to be inspired by several different types of animals. It shares traits with reptiles, amphibians as well as mammals.

In other languages[]

Language Name Meaning
English Bulbazaur From bulb and saur(lizard)
Japanese フシギダネ Fushigidane From 不思議 fushigi(Mytstery) and 種 tane(seed)
French Bulbizarre From Bulbe(Bulb) and bizzare(Strange)
Spanish Bulbasaur Same as English name
German Bisasam From Bi(two),Saurier(Dinosaur) and Samen(seed)
Italian Bulbasaur Same as the English name
Korean 이상해씨 Isanghessi From 이상하다 isanghada(strange) and 씨 ssi(seed)
Mandarin Chinese 妙蛙種子 / 妙蛙种子 Miàowāzhǒngzǐ Literally Wonderful frog seed
Cantonese Chinese 奇異種子 Keiyizhungjí Literally Bizarre seed

In-game information[]

Pokédex entries[]

Title Entry
First Pokémon generation
Pokémon Red and Blue A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this Pokémon.
Pokémon Yellow It can go for days without eating a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy.
Pokémon Stadium The bulb-like pouch on its back grows larger as it ages. The pouch is filled with numerous seeds.
Second Pokémon generation
Pokémon Gold The seed on its back is filled with nutrients. The seed grows steadily larger as its body grows.
Pokémon Silver It carries a seed on its back right from birth. As it grows older, the seed also grows larger.
Pokémon Crystal While it is young, it uses the nutrients that are stored in the seeds on its back in order to grow.
Third Pokémon generation
Pokémon 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.
Pokémon 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.
Pokémon 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.
Pokémon FireRed There is a plant seed on its back right from the day this Pokémon is born. The seed slowly grows larger.
Pokémon LeafGreen A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this Pokémon.
Fourth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Diamond For some time after its birth, it grows by gaining nourishment from the seed on its back.
Pokémon Pearl For some time after its birth, it grows by gaining nourishment from the seed on its back.
Pokémon Platinum For some time after its birth, it grows by gaining nourishment from the seed on its back.
Pokémon HeartGold The seed on its back is filled with nutrients. The seed grows steadily larger as its body grows.
Pokémon SoulSilver It carries a seed on its back right from birth. As it grows older, the seed also grows larger.
Fifth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Black For some time after its birth, it grows by gaining nourishment from the seed on its back.
Pokémon White For some time after its birth, it grows by gaining nourishment from the seed on its back.
Pokémon Black 2 For some time after its birth, it grows by gaining nourishment from the seed on its back.
Pokémon White 2 For some time after its birth, it grows by gaining nourishment from the seed on its back.
Sixth Pokémon generation
Pokémon X A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this Pokémon.
Pokémon Y For some time after its birth, it grows by gaining nourishment from the seed on its back.
Pokémon Omega 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.
Pokémon Alpha 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.
Seventh Pokémon generation
Pokémon Let's Go
Pikachu
It can go for days without eating a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy.
Pokémon Let's Go
Eevee
It can go for days without eating a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy.
Eighth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Sword There is a plant seed on its back right from the day this Pokémon is born. The seed slowly grows larger.
Pokémon Shield While it is young, it uses the nutrients that are stored in the seed on its back in order to grow.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond For some time after its birth, it grows by taking nourishment from the seed on its back.
Pokémon Shining Pearl For some time after its birth, it grows by taking nourishment from the seed on its back.
Ninth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Scarlet For some time after its birth, it uses the nutrients that are packed into the seed on its back in order to grow.
Pokémon Violet It carries a seed on its back right from birth. As its body grows larger, the seed does too.


Game Locations[]

Title Location(s)
First Pokémon generation
Pokémon Red and Blue
First partner Pokémon
Pokémon Yellow
First partner Pokémon
Second Pokémon generation
Pokémon Gold
Time Capsule
Pokémon Silver
Time Capsule
Pokémon Crystal
Time Capsule
Third Pokémon generation
Pokémon Ruby
Trade
Pokémon FireRed
First partner Pokémon
Pokémon LeafGreen
First partner Pokémon
Fourth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Diamond
Pal Park, Trade
Pokémon Pearl
Pal Park, Trade
Pokémon Platinum
Pal Park, Trade
Pokémon HeartGold
Gift from Professor Oak after defeating Red
Pokémon SoulSilver
Gift from Professor Oak after defeating Red
Fifth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Black
Global Link event
Poké Transfer
Pokémon White
Global Link event
Poké Transfer
Sixth Pokémon generation
Pokémon X
Professor Sycamore
Pokémon Y
Professor Sycamore
Seventh Pokémon generation
Pokémon Ultra Sun
Route 2 (Island Scan)Fr
Pokémon Ultra Moon
Route 2 (Island Scan)Fr
Pokémon Let's Go
Pikachu
Viridian Forest
Cerulean City*
Pokémon Let's Go
Eevee
Viridian Forest
Cerulean City*
Eighth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Sword
Pokémon HOME Event
Master Dojo
Pokémon Shield
Pokémon HOME Event
Master Dojo
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond
Grand Underground - Grassland Cave, Sunlit Cavern, Swampy Cave, Riverbank Cave, Still-Water Cavern, Bogsunk Cavern*
Pokémon Shining Pearl
Grand Underground - Grassland Cave, Sunlit Cavern, Swampy Cave, Riverbank Cave, Still-Water Cavern, Bogsunk Cavern*
Ninth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Scarlet
Coastal Biome, Torchlit Labyrinth
Pokémon Violet
Coastal Biome, Torchlit Labyrinth


Evolution[]

Bulbasaur
Reach level 16.
Ivysaur
Reach level 32.
Venusaur
PKMNSV001 PKMNSV002 PKMNSV003

Base Stats[]

Base Stats
HP 45
Attack 49
Defense 49
Sp. Attack 65
Sp. Defense 65
Speed 45
Total 318

Moveset[]

Main article: Bulbasaur/moveset

Gallery[]

  Main article: Bulbasaur/gallery

Sprites[]

Sprites
Red Green
PKMNRG001
Red Blue
PKMNRB001
Yellow
PKMNY001
Gold
PKMNG001


PKMNG001-S

Silver
PKMNS001


PKMNS001-S

Crystal
PKMNC001


PKMNC001-S

Ruby Sapphire
PKMNRS001


PKMNRS001-S

Emerald
PKMNE001


PKMNE001-S

Fire Leaf
PKMNFRLG001


PKMNFRLG001-S

Diamond Pearl
PKMNDP001


PKMNDP001-S

Platinum
PKMNP001


PKMNP001-S

Heart Soul
PKMNHGSS001


PKMNHGSS001-S

Black White
PKMNBW001


PKMNBW001-S

Black 2 White 2
PKMNBW2001


PKMNBW2001-S

X Y
PKMNXY001


PKMNXY001-S

Pikachu Eevee
PKMNLGPE001


PKMNLGPE001-S

Sword Shield
PKMNSS001


PKMNSS001-S

Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl
Image Needed
File:PKMNBDSP001.png


Image Needed
File:PKMNBDSP001-S.png

Scarlet Violet
PKMNSV001


PKMNSV001-S


Reception[]

Bulbasaur has been largely praised by critics for its appearance, especially in the Pokémon anime. Pedro Hernandez of Nintendo World Report called it his favorite Pokémon, noting that it represented a number of firsts for him: his first episode of the anime, his first Pokémon, and the first one he saw in 3D. Calling Bulbasaur the reason he became interested in the Pokémon series, he stated that he was "deeply touched" by how it refused to evolve in the anime in order to "prove his self-worth as his un-evolved form". IGN editor "Pokémon of the Day Chick" also praised Ash's "attitude-packing Bulbasaur" in the anime, and Official Nintendo Magazine's John Vekinis attributed his "love of Grass-type Pokémon" to Bulbasaur in spite of the Grass type's weaknesses. Chris Plante of Polygon called Bulbasaur the best Pokémon; while he felt it and its evolutions "comparably dull", they were "the most true to life" as it looked more "leathery and aged" as it got older in comparison to the other starters. Bulbasaur was ranked the 3rd best starter Pokémon in a poll of Japanese Pokémon fans by ITmedia. The staff felt that the popularity of Bulbasaur derived from the anime, particularly Ash Ketchum's Bulbasaur, who at the time was the Pokémon that was with Ash for the longest time besides Pikachu, spanning four-and-a-half years. They speculated that this led to fans feeling attached to Bulbasaur.

Trivia[]

  • Bulbasaur was the first unevolved dual type starter Pokémon. The second was Rowlet.
  • Niue released a one-dollar coin featuring Bulbasaur as part of a commemorative promotion for the Pokémon franchise, with Bulbasaur on one side and the nation's coat of arms on the other.
  • Due to the censor that prevents Pokémon with offensive nicknames being traded on the GTS, a Bulbasaur with an English name cannot be traded on the GTS without a nickname in Pokémon Black and White.
  • In Pokémon Gold and Silver, Bulbasaur is programmed to be able to learn Charm through breeding, but no other Pokémon in the Grass or Monster Groups can legitimately learn it to pass down as an Egg move in those games.
  • In Brazil, Bulbasaur is sometimes called Bulbassauro by the fans.

External links[]

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