nuzleaf
Generation III · #0274 — Wily Pokémon
Nuzleaf, known as the Wily Pokémon, is a dual-type Grass/Dark Pokémon introduced in Generation III with a National Pokédex number of 274. Standing at 1.0 meter tall and weighing 28.0 kilograms, this forest-dwelling creature represents the second stage in the evolutionary line that begins with Seedot and culminates in the powerful Shiftry. With a base stat total of 340 distributed across relatively balanced offensive capabilities and moderate defensive stats, Nuzleaf occupies an interesting middle ground in competitive play. Its classification as the "Wily Pokémon" perfectly encapsulates its mischievous nature, as it frequently emerges from dense forests to startle unsuspecting travelers. The species boasts three distinct abilities—Chlorophyll, Early Bird, and the hidden ability Pickpocket—each offering unique strategic advantages in different battle scenarios and environments.
Base Stats
Height
1.0m
Weight
28.0kg
Category
Wily Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
brown
Shape
humanoid
Habitat
forest
Abilities
Doubles Speed during strong sunlight.
Makes sleep pass twice as quickly.
Steals attacking Pokémon's held items on contact.
Nuzleaf Biology & Physical Characteristics
Nuzleaf is a bipedal plant Pokémon with a distinctly humanoid appearance dominated by earthy brown coloration and beige facial markings that resemble a mask. A single emerald-green leaf protrudes from the crown of its head, serving as both a defining visual characteristic and a functional instrument; notably, this leaf appears noticeably smaller on female specimens, providing a subtle but consistent gender dimorphism. The Pokémon possesses remarkably thin arms with mitten-like hands, bulky thighs accentuated by thin striations, and most distinctively, an elongated pointed nose that serves as both a sensory organ and critical vulnerability point. According to Pokédex documentation, gripping this long nose causes Nuzleaf to lose its power entirely, suggesting the nose functions as a crucial neural or magical nexus for the species. The creature's overall physiology demonstrates a clear botanical origin, with its body structure optimized for arboreal life despite its surprisingly grounded appearance. Its design suggests an evolutionary adaptation to forest environments, combining plant-like characteristics with surprisingly sophisticated motor control and intelligence.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Nuzleaf Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Nuzleaf exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, ensuring equal breeding potential across both sexes without artificial constraints. The species belongs to the Field and Grass Egg Groups, providing multiple breeding compatibility options for trainers seeking to produce eggs through various parent Pokémon combinations. Female Nuzleaf display a subtle but consistent sexual dimorphism, featuring a noticeably smaller head-leaf compared to their male counterparts, making gender identification relatively straightforward through visual inspection. This dimorphism extends to subtle size variations and coloration nuances, though the overall body structure remains consistent between genders. With a base friendship value of 70 and a hatch counter of 15 cycles (equivalent to 3,599-3,855 steps), Nuzleaf eggs develop at a moderate pace that aligns with other medium-slow growth rate Pokémon. The breeding mechanics allow trainers to pass down movesets and abilities across generations, enabling strategic team composition planning. Nuzleaf's availability in both genders with equal probability makes it an accessible choice for breeders interested in cultivating lineages with specific move pools or ability distributions, particularly when breeding for the hidden ability Pickpocket across multiple generations.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
power-herb
held-items
Held: Both turns of a two-turn charge move happen at once. Consumed upon use.
Cost: 4000
power-herb
held-items
Held: Both turns of a two-turn charge move happen at once. Consumed upon use.
Cost: 4000
power-herb
held-items
Held: Both turns of a two-turn charge move happen at once. Consumed upon use.
Cost: 4000
power-herb
held-items
Held: Both turns of a two-turn charge move happen at once. Consumed upon use.
Cost: 4000
power-herb
held-items
Held: Both turns of a two-turn charge move happen at once. Consumed upon use.
Cost: 4000
power-herb
held-items
Held: Both turns of a two-turn charge move happen at once. Consumed upon use.
Cost: 4000
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
yellow
tm02
red blue
tm01
sword shield
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm02
blue japan
tm02
red green japan
tm03
yellow
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
red blue
tm03
blue japan
tm04
gold silver
tm03
red green japan
tm04
crystal
tm05
red blue
tm05
yellow
tm05
red green japan
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
+798 more TMs/HMs
Gender Differences
This Pokémon has visible differences between male and female forms.
nuzleaf's Evolution Chain
Nuzleaf Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Nuzleaf occupies the crucial middle position within a three-stage evolutionary line, evolving from the seed-based Seedot at level 14 and further evolving into the impressive Shiftry when exposed to a Leaf Stone. The evolution from Seedot to Nuzleaf represents a significant development in the species' physical form, as the tiny seed Pokémon transforms into a more humanoid creature capable of tool use and complex behaviors. This intermediate evolution grants Nuzleaf access to a more diverse moveset and improved stats compared to its unevolved form, though it remains substantially less powerful than its final evolved form. The transition from Nuzleaf to Shiftry introduces a dramatic visual and statistical transformation, as the Pokémon gains a second head and wings, acquiring significant improvements in Attack, Special Attack, and Speed stats. The Leaf Stone requirement for this final evolution diverges from the purely level-based progression of earlier stages, marking a traditional evolution method common to many plant-type Pokémon. This three-stage evolutionary progression allows trainers flexibility in team composition, as Nuzleaf can serve effectively as an intermediate team member before players commit to the final Shiftry evolution.
Where to Find
hoenn route 114
hoenn
sinnoh route 210
sinnoh
sinnoh route 229
sinnoh
+3 more
nature sanctuary
unova
+5 more
ultra space wilds
alola
Nuzleaf Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Nuzleaf inhabits densely overgrown tropical forests where it demonstrates exceptional climbing prowess, navigating tall trees with remarkable agility despite its relatively compact frame. These Pokémon live in holes bored within the trunks of large trees, creating secure shelters within their arboreal domain. Despite their forest-dwelling nature, Nuzleaf possess a notably mischievous temperament and frequently venture beyond their woodland sanctuaries to startle and frighten people, fully embracing the "wily" aspect of their species designation. The most distinctive behavioral characteristic involves their remarkable ability to fashion their head-leaf into a functional flute, producing haunting melodies that strike fear and uncertainty into the hearts of lost travelers. According to various Pokédex entries, these sounds can fill listeners with dread and unease, though interestingly, the same leaf-flute can apparently produce comforting melodies as well. Nuzleaf employs sounds similar to grass-based tunes as a warning system to discourage wandering intruders from venturing too deeply into their forest territories. Their skill at climbing and intimate knowledge of forest geography makes them formidable inhabitants of their natural habitat.
Pokedex Entries
NUZLEAF live in densely overgrown forests. They occasionally venture out of the forest to startle people. This POKéMON dislikes having its long nose pinched.
This POKéMON pulls out the leaf on its head and makes a flute with it. The sound of NUZLEAF’s flute strikes fear and uncertainty in the hearts of people lost in a forest.
A forest-dwelling POKéMON that is skilled at climbing trees. Its long and pointed nose is its weak point. It loses power if the nose is gripped.
They live in holes bored in large trees. The sound of NUZLEAF’s grass flute fills listeners with dread.
The sound of its grass flute makes its listeners uneasy. It lives deep in forests.
It lives deep in forests. With the leaf on its head, it makes a flute whose song makes listeners uneasy.
The sound of its grass flute makes its listeners uneasy. It lives deep in forests.
The sound of its grass flute makes its listeners uneasy. It lives deep in forests.
The sound of its grass flute makes its listeners uneasy. It lives deep in forests.
It lives deep in forests. With the leaf on its head, it makes a flute whose song makes listeners uneasy.
Nuzleaf live in densely overgrown forests. They occasionally venture out of the forest to startle people. This Pokémon dislikes having its long nose pinched.
This Pokémon pulls out the leaf on its head and makes a flute with it. The sound of Nuzleaf’s flute strikes fear and uncertainty in the hearts of people lost in a forest.
It lives deep in forests. With the leaf on its head, it makes a flute whose song makes listeners uneasy.
They live in holes bored in large trees. The sound of Nuzleaf’s grass flute fills listeners with dread.
Nuzleaf Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Nuzleaf's name is a clever portmanteau derived from "nut" and "leaf," reflecting its dual botanical nature as a creature embodying both seed-like and foliage-based characteristics. The Japanese designation "Konohana" (木の花) translates literally to "tree flower," emphasizing the Pokémon's deep connection to forest flora and its position as an intermediate form between a seed and a fully-developed tree-creature. The design itself draws inspiration from Noh theater masks, evident in the distinctive beige facial marking that resembles the traditional Japanese theatrical masks worn by performers in classical Noh drama. This theatrical influence extends to the species' primary characteristic—its ability to produce music via its head-leaf—connecting it thematically to the artistic and performance traditions of Japanese culture. The elongated nose and overall physiognomy suggest influences from various mythological creatures and forest spirits found in Japanese folklore, particularly creatures that inhabit deep woodlands and possess mischievous personalities. The visual juxtaposition of plant-like features (the body shape, the head-leaf) with distinctly fauna-like characteristics (bipedal locomotion, expressive face) creates a compelling design that bridges the natural kingdoms, fitting perfectly for a creature that serves as the evolutionary bridge between the seed-stage Seedot and the sentient humanoid Shiftry.
Learnable Moves
Nuzleaf can learn 108 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| absorb | grass | Special | 20 | 100 | 25 |
| air cutter | flying | Special | 60 | 95 | 25 |
| amnesia | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| assurance | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| astonish | ghost | Physical | 30 | 100 | 15 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| beat up | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| bullet seed | grass | Physical | 25 | 100 | 30 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| chilling water | water | Special | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| dark pulse | dark | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| defense curl | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| defog | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| embargo | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| endeavor | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| energy ball | grass | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| explosion | normal | Physical | 250 | 100 | 5 |
| extrasensory | psychic | Special | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fake out | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 |
| false swipe | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 40 |
| feint attack | dark | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| flash | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| foul play | dark | Physical | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury cutter | bug | Physical | 40 | 95 | 20 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| grass knot | grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| grassy glide | grass | Physical | 55 | 100 | 20 |
| grassy terrain | grass | Status | — | — | 10 |
| growth | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| harden | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| lash out | dark | Physical | 75 | 100 | 5 |
| leaf blade | grass | Physical | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| leaf storm | grass | Special | 130 | 90 | 5 |
| leech seed | grass | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| low kick | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| low sweep | fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| magical leaf | grass | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| mega drain | grass | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| mega kick | normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| nasty plot | dark | Status | — | — | 20 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| nature power | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| night slash | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| pound | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| power swap | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| power up punch | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| quick attack | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| razor leaf | grass | Physical | 55 | 95 | 25 |
| razor wind | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| retaliate | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| rollout | rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| seed bomb | grass | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| self destruct | normal | Physical | 200 | 100 | 5 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snarl | dark | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| solar blade | grass | Physical | 125 | 100 | 10 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sucker punch | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| synthesis | grass | Status | — | — | 5 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| torment | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| trailblaze | grass | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| weather ball | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| worry seed | grass | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
Nuzleaf Competitive Battle Guide
Nuzleaf's competitive viability primarily stems from its strategic ability options rather than overwhelming offensive statistics, with a base Attack of 70 and Special Attack of 60 providing modest offensive output. The Chlorophyll ability transforms Nuzleaf into a formidable sweeper during weather-based teams utilizing strong sunlight, effectively doubling its base 60 Speed stat to a respectable 120, enabling it to outpace numerous threats in competitive play. Early Bird provides an alternative strategy for teams relying on status conditions, halving the duration of sleep effects and allowing Nuzleaf to recover faster than opponents expecting extended incapacitation. The hidden ability Pickpocket offers a unique utility role, stealing held items from attacking opponents on contact, enabling clever item denial strategies and supporting team members. Defensively, Nuzleaf faces significant challenges with a Defense of 40 and Special Defense of 40, making it vulnerable to priority moves and strong special attacks despite the Grass/Dark typing offering valuable resistances to Ghost, Dark, and Grass-type moves. The dual-type composition grants a 4x weakness to Bug-type moves, a significant vulnerability in many competitive metagames. Nuzleaf functions best as a niche choice in specific team archetypes, particularly those centered around weather-based strategies or item manipulation, rather than as a universal competitive staple.
Commonly Asked Questions About Nuzleaf
What type is Nuzleaf?
Nuzleaf is a grass and dark type Pokemon.
What does Nuzleaf evolve into?
Nuzleaf evolves into shiftry.
What are Nuzleaf's weaknesses?
Nuzleaf is weak to fighting, flying, poison, bug, fire, ice and fairy type moves.
Where can I find Nuzleaf?
Nuzleaf can be found in hoenn route 114 (hoenn), sinnoh route 210 (sinnoh) and sinnoh route 229 (sinnoh) and 2 other locations.
Nuzleaf Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Nuzleaf has established itself within the Pokémon franchise through memorable appearances in both the animated series and trading card game, contributing to Generation III's distinctive roster of Hoenn-region creatures. The species features prominently in multiple Pokédex entries emphasizing its musical capabilities and forest-dwelling mystique, creating a rich mythology around its behavioral patterns and environmental role. In the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Nuzleaf cards have appeared across multiple generations with varying abilities and attack patterns, providing collectors and competitive players with diverse tactical options throughout TCG history. The design's theatrical influences and connection to Japanese folklore have resonated particularly strongly with audiences appreciating the cultural depth woven into Pokémon design philosophies. Nuzleaf's characteristic flute-playing and mischievous personality have made it a memorable minor character in various Pokémon media adaptations, though it lacks the mainstream recognition of more iconic species. The connection between its musical nature and psychological effects on humans has inspired fan discussions about the nature of Pokémon-human interaction and the often ambiguous morality of wild Pokémon behavior. Its status as a mid-stage evolution with moderate competitive utility has made it a common sight in casual team compositions and Nuzlocke challenge runs, contributing to its enduring presence in fan communities.
Where to Find Nuzleaf in Every Pokémon Game
Nuzleaf first became available to players during Generation III's original Ruby and Sapphire releases, where it occupied the Hoenn regional Pokédex as entry 0023, establishing its foundational presence within the franchise. The species has maintained consistent availability across subsequent generations, appearing in regional Pokédexes in FireRed/LeafGreen, Diamond/Pearl, HeartGold/SoulSilver, Black 2/White 2, X/Y, Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire, Sword/Shield, and Scarlet/Violet. In most games where it appears, Nuzleaf can be obtained either by catching its pre-evolution Seedot and leveling it to level 14 or through direct encounter in appropriate forest-based routes and wild areas. Pokémon GO players can acquire Nuzleaf through standard catch mechanics and egg hatching, with the species maintaining regular spawning availability in grassy and forest biome locations. The Leaf Stone requirement for evolution into Shiftry necessitates access to that evolution stone, typically obtained through specific in-game locations or shop purchases depending on the generation. The capture rate of 120 makes Nuzleaf relatively easy to catch with standard Poké Balls, even at full health, facilitating straightforward team acquisition for most players. Its continued appearance across the majority of Pokémon games ensures that new players and veteran trainers alike have consistent access to this forest-dwelling species throughout their adventures.