Often regarded as the calmest type, many Pokémon Professors in the world of Pokémon recommend brand-new Trainers Grass-type starters. As the roster debuted with the collected Bulbasaur, it is easy to see why. Alongside Bulbasaur, several other Grass-type Pokémon acted as part of the original 151, such as Oddish and Tangela.
Though these Pokémon are usually lax in nature, that certainly does not mean their abilities should be underestimated. In fact, Grass-type Pokémon have been known to use a wide variety of status ailment moves in battle, causing their opponent to become paralyzed or even poisoned. As the years have gone by, some of these Pokémon have gotten even stronger, thanks to the power of Mega Evolution.
Parasect Is Technically a Zombie
The Mushroom on Its Back Controls the Pokémon
Though anyone who has played Pokémon Legends: Arceus can tell you how lively and territorial the wild Paras of Hisui are, in the present day these Bug/Grass-type Pokémon are now rather timid. A Pokémon with a tragic fate, Paras is always hungry as the parasitic mushrooms on its back steal most of its nutrients. Upon evolving into Parasect, the mushrooms have now become one giant mushroom, and the Bug/Grass-type's eyes are now an eerie shade of white. According to Parasect's Pokédex entry in Pokémon Ultra Sun, the Mushroom Pokémon itself is almost completely dead, only kept slightly alive by the mushroom, who controls the body.
In the anime, it is revealed that Parasect's mushroom can actually create amazing medicine. As such, Ash's new friend Cassandra wished to evolve her timid Paras into a Parasect, though it would often faint even from a minuscule attack in battle. However, when Team Rocket arrived and tried to trick Paras into working with them, the rigged battles they set up in order for Paras to gain confidence ended up backfiring in their favor. The newly confident Paras, once Team Rocket was sent away, was able to cleverly win against Ash's Charmeleon by using its talons, thus evolving in the process. Charmeleon, unhappy with this outcome, tries to attack Parasect, only to fall asleep due to the latter's useful Spore move.
Vileplume’s Stun Spore Attack Is No Joke
The Original Evolved Form of Oddish and Gloom
After evolving from Oddish, the Weed Pokémon Gloom can evolve into either Vileplume or Bellossom depending on which Evolution Stone its Trainer uses. Prior to Bellossom's debut in Generation II, Gloom could only evolve into Vileplume, and only with a Leaf Stone. Said to have the largest petals of any flower-like Pokémon, Vileplume's flower is actually very toxic. The Flower Pokémon's petals scatter dust that surrounds it, causing allergy flares and even status ailments to those who dare to approach Vileplume.
Though it has appeared in Erika's Gym and under the care of James' former fiancée Jessebelle, a more major role of Vileplume lies with "The Stun Spore Detour", taking place during Ash's time in the Orange Islands. After Ash and his new friend Tracey (along with Jessie of Team Rocket) are attacked by a Vileplume's Stun Spore, leaving them paralyzed. Misty learns that a rare plant known as Salveyo weed can be made into a cure, but finds herself battling against James and Meowth for the same plant. Thankfully, at the end of the episode, everyone is able to get the medicine they need, but not without becoming even more fearful of the dangerous Flower Pokémon.
Kantonian Exeggutor Have Dangerous Hypnotic Abilities
In Alola, Exeggutor Are of the Dragon-type Instead
Found in the tall grass around Kanto and beyond, Exeggcute is an unusual Grass/Psychic-type Pokémon. Made up of six egg-like beings that are always drawn together due to a unique force, these Pokémon will join together to take down a foe. According to the Pokédex, Exeggcute is said to be close to evolving when the eggs' shells begin to develop cracks. Oddly enough, Exeggcute can only evolve when exposed to a Leaf Stone.
Though an Exeggcute in Alola will evolve into a Grass/Dragon-type, a Kantonian Exeggutor remains a Grass/Psychic-type. Known as "The Walking Jungle", the coconut-like heads of an Exeggutor each have their own mind, but they will join forces via telepathy to use their powers, as seen in the anime. In "The March of the Exeggutor Squad", Ash and his friends learn just how dangerous Exeggutor's Hypnosis move can be after a horde end up hypnotizing one another, nearly destroying a town. Though the threat is soon stopped, Ash later must grapple with his newly-evolved Charmeleon, who refuses to listen to him.
Shauna Has an Ivysaur as Her Partner Pokémon
Ivysaur Has Participated in Battles as Well as Contests
Just like her game counterpart, Shauna is an energetic, happy-go-lucky adventurer who loves anything cute. Though she has been known to partake in battles, Shauna is first and foremost a Pokémon Performer. Like her childhood friends, the dancer Tierno and the photographer Trevor, Shauna is from Vaniville Town. She has since traveled throughout the Kalos region, taking part in several Pokémon Contests in hopes of one day becoming Kalos Queen.
Though most of Shauna's Pokémon have yet to evolve, her starter Pokémon, Bulbasaur, has since evolved into an Ivysaur. Alongside Shauna's Flabébé, Ivysaur acts as one of the Pokémon Performer's main Pokémon for Pokémon Contests. Though it was rather standoffish as a Bulbsaur, Ivysaur has since become a more friendly Pokémon who truly loves to perform, just like Shauna. Aside from being a helpful ally for Shauna's childhood friends and fellow Pokémon Performer Serena when battles arise, Ivysaur is also able to use moves such as Solar Beam and Petal Dance to wow the audience during Contests.
Victreebel Became a Key Part of James’ Team
The Flycatcher Pokémon Recently Gained a Mega Evolution
The final form of Bellsprout and the evolved form of Weepinbell, Victreebel is a dangerous Pokémon to reckon with. Wild Victreebel are said to live in lush jungles in hordes, though according to the Pokédex, those who come across these groups never return. Using the vine near its mouth and the honey-like aroma that emanates from it, the Flycatcher Pokémon is able to expertly lure in prey, dissolving it within the toxic fluid in its mouth. If a Victreebel dissolves a lot of prey with its acid, it has an even sweeter scent that helps it catch even more Pokémon.
Though it was not used often at first in the Kanto region, James began to use his Victreebel more once Team Rocket arrived in the Orange Islands. By the time the Flycatcher Pokémon arrived in Johto, it became one of James' main battling partners, able to use powerful moves such as Razor Leaf and Vine Whip with ease due to its agility and power. Though it would later leave James upon falling in love with a wild Victreebel, the Flycatcher Pokémon is one of James' most well-remembered early Pokémon thanks to its power and affectionate personality. Victreebel has recently received a Mega Evolution, the terribly destructive Mega Victreebel, though it has yet to debut in the anime.
Find all 10 pairs
Find all 10 pairs
Ash’s Bulbasaur Is Very Strong Despite Not Evolving
A Grass/Poison-Type With a Strong Sense of Justice
Though Ash was able to gain all three Kanto starters (including Pikachu) at the start of his journey, only Charizard fully evolved. Like Pikachu, neither Squirtle nor Bulbasaur wished to change the way they were. In fact, some fans believe that Charizard's sudden aggressiveness was the cause for Bulbasaur and Squirtle's hesitation to evolve. Bulbasaur, in fact, has been shown to be actually afraid of evolving after meeting an illusion of Venusaur. Nevertheless, the Seed Pokémon is a brave and mature Pokémon that will never ignore anyone in need.
Growing up in the Hidden Village, a safe haven for Pokémon abandoned by their Trainers, Bulbasaur initially disliked Trainers upon seeing how scared the residents of its home were due to how they had been mistreated. After meeting Ash, however, the Grass/Poison-type's worldview changed, and it agreed to join his party. Since then, Bulbasaur has remained a loyal friend, with a strength that can likely match its evolved forms. Aside from being able to use moves such as Solar Beam and Vine Whip, Ash's Bulbasaur can also use Dig, a move that the Seed Pokémon usually cannot learn in the games.
Venusaur Is Famous for Its Solar Beam
Many Trainers Have Used Venusaur Since Its Debut
Venusaur, the very first known fully-evolved Grass-type starter, is also the mascot of Pokémon Green Version as well as Pokémon LeafGreen Version, the latter of which is now available on the Nintendo Switch. A gentle Pokémon, Venusaur is not often known to start fights, but it will surely stand its ground when attacked. In battle, it can use Vine Whip with ease and with added strength thanks to its powerful vines. Solar Beam is also one of the most common moves for Venusaur to use, as it is an expert at using the flower on its back to create energy for such an attack. When it is not battling, Venusaur uses photosynthesis just like a plant would, as it is able to collect nutrients for sustenance. In the wild, Venusaur has been known to look after groups of Bulbasaur and Ivysaur, helping them evolve via ceremonies where the fully-evolved Seed Pokémon can even change the weather.
As Ash and Shauna never evolved their Pokémon, the most notable Venusaur in the anime is the one belonging to May, a Pokémon Trainer and Pokémon Coordinator. When May returned to the series as a contestant of the Wallace Cup, it was revealed that her Bulbasaur had since fully evolved, becoming even more powerful and a fantastic asset to her team. Thanks to her sheer power and the type advantage, May's Venusaur was able to easily defeat an opponent's Marill. Though May's Venusaur seemingly does not possess this power, Venusaur in general can Gigantamax and Mega Evolve; an example of the latter was shown to be a tough opponent for Alain's Mega Charizard X in the Mega Evolution specials.
