Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsProbably in the sense of a crush. Bayleef shows unusually intense affection and jealousy around Ash, and a character reference describes these behaviors as “hints of her crush on Ash.” But the anime evidence cited here does not include a romantic confession or confirm that Ash returned those feelings.
Why viewers read Bayleef’s behavior as a crush
Before evolving, Bayleef was Chikorita, and the character reference says she competed for Ash’s attention and showed jealousy, particularly in relation to Pikachu. It interprets those early behaviors as hints of a crush. The same reference describes Bayleef as affectionate and says she often expresses that affection by tackling Ash after they reunite. Bulbapedia’s Ash’s Bayleef reference is a community-edited account of the portrayal, not a creator’s statement of intent.
What “Turning Over A New Bayleef” adds
In episode 200, “Turning Over A New Bayleef,” Bayleef is excited to see Ash after evolving and tackles him. Ash loses his temper and tells her to go away; Bayleef runs off. He searches for her, apologizes, and tries to regain her trust. She later helps Ash and Pikachu stop Team Rocket, and the episode ends with another affectionate tackle—this time involving her newly learned Body Slam. The episode’s arc is about hurt feelings, trust, and reconciliation between a Trainer and his Pokémon, rather than an explicit romance. The episode reference lists its first Japanese broadcast as May 31, 2001, and its first U.S. broadcast as May 4, 2002.
What is—and isn’t—confirmed
- Supported: Bayleef is strongly attached to Ash, and her jealousy and exuberant affection make a crush a reasonable reading of her character.
- Not explicitly confirmed: The cited material does not establish a human-style declaration of romantic love, a creator’s explicit intent, or romantic feelings from Ash. His apology and search for Bayleef show that he cares about her and wants to repair their bond as her Trainer.
So “Bayleef had a crush on Ash” is a fair shorthand for how her behavior is portrayed. “Bayleef and Ash were in a confirmed romance” goes beyond what these sources establish.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- It's easy to show off your favorite Pokémon wherever you go with a too-cool Pokémon Pin! Featuring Bayleef, the Leaf Pokémon, this collectible accessory is made of shining metal and colorful enamel, and it comes with two rubbery backers for securing it to your lapel, lanyard, or bag.
- Rubbery backers help to keep the pin in place
- Includes Bayleef Pokémon Pin
- Item Dimensions: 1.8 x 0.5 x 1.8 inches (4.5 x 1.2 x 4.5 cm)
- Pokémon Center Original
Rank #4
- The Pancham Sitting Cuties Plush is weighted with microbeads, so it sits up when you put it on a flat surface. This palm-sized plush is a fun, charming way to show off a favorite Fighting-type Pokémon originally discovered in Kalos!
- Sits up easily on a desk, shelf, or other flat surface
- Care Instructions: Hand Wash Only. Flat Drying In The Shade
- Item Dimensions: 3 x 4.3 x 5.7 inches (7.6 x 10.9 x 14.4 cm)
- Pokémon Center Original
Rank #3
- Cute and cuddly 8" Pokémon Vulpix Plush Stuffed Animal is a must have for all Pokemon fans!
- Gotta Catch 'Em All! This super soft plush figure is great to take wherever you go!
- The Vulpix plush toy is inspired by Pokémon anime, trading cards, Let's Go!, Detective Pikachu, Sword & Shield, Scarlet & Violet, Nintendo video games and more!
- Makes a great gift for kids, boys and girls who love Pokemon. These authentic quality plushie figures are perfect gifts for Christmas, birthdays, Easter, holidays, Valentine's Day, stocking stuffer, basket stuffer and more - Your favorite Pokémon character is waiting for you!
- Officially licensed Pokémon merchandise. Polyester. Measures approximately 8". Ages: 2+
Rank #2
- POKÉMON PLUSH: Choose to cuddle Greninja, the Ninja Pokémon
- SPECIAL MATERIAL: Snuggly 12-inch Pokémon plush is made with super soft material
- AUTHENTIC DETAILS: Greninja looks like it jumped out of the Pokémon Animated Series
- TEAM BUILDING: Collect other 12-inch Pokémon plush and build your own unique team
- OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Officially licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares
#1 Best Overall
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
