What is Bulbasaur?
Bulbasaur is a Grass/Poison-type Pokémon introduced in the very first generation of the franchise back in 1996. It is #001 in the Pokédex — literally the first Pokémon ever designed — and serves as one of the three starter options in Pokémon Red and Blue alongside Charmander and Squirtle.
Its most distinctive feature is the plant bulb growing on its back. This isn’t just decorative: the bulb stores energy from sunlight and gradually grows as Bulbasaur evolves into Ivysaur and eventually Venusaur. In the lore, Bulbasaur is born with the seed already attached, making it a rare case of a creature that is genuinely symbiotic with plant life from birth.
Why It Matters
Bulbasaur occupies a unique place in internet culture. While Charmander became the “cool” choice and Squirtle the “fun” one, Bulbasaur quietly became the mascot of underdog appreciation and sensible decision-making. Online, choosing Bulbasaur is framed as the “correct” starter for the first gym (Rock-type Brock), making it the pragmatic player’s pick.
Memes frequently depict Bulbasaur as the overlooked middle child who was actually the best all along. Its design — a blue-green dinosaur with a bulb — is instantly recognizable even to people who have never played a Pokémon game.
Examples
- “Bulbasaur was the first Pokémon ever created”: A common trivia fact that elevates its status among fans.
- “Grass starter supremacy”: An ongoing online debate about which starter type is objectively best.
- Bulbasaur in Smash Bros.: Appears as a Poké Ball item, using Razor Leaf.
Related Terms
- Pokémon, starter, Pokédex
- Venusaur, Ivysaur
- Charmander, Squirtle
- Type advantage, evolution