Although Gurdyroots resemble green onions in appearance, their foul scent makes them easily distinguishable. What is lacking in their scent is not made up for by their taste. Gurdyroots are commonly used to "ward off evil" (by their smell, presumably), as well as in potions which are attributed to this same purpose. Gurdyroot Infusion, a drink made with this plant, is of a red-purple colour, and a 'bogey-like' taste. Of the creatures Gurdyroots are said to ward off, Gulping Plimpies are among them. Herbologists are not yet in agreement on the actual existence of that particular breed of Plimpie.

Gurdyroots are able to grow in a diverse range of environments, provided the soil has enough nutrients. Sunlight and water in adequate amounts will keep the Gurdyroot alive for several months, as long as the soil is nutritious. If there is a lot of sunlight, Gurdyroots can grow to be up to fifteen centimeters in diameter. In order to take care of a Gurdyroot, it is necessary to have the plant in a pot seven and a half times the size of the bulb (or have the same ratio of space for the Gurdyroot if planted outdoors). What makes the Gurdyroot difficult to grow is many bugs like to 'attack' this plant, as the smell is offensive to them. While many mundane critters are kept at bay by the odor, bugs which have magic are inclined to attempt to break through the stem of the plant. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended that you place a protective spell around your plant. Nonperiurabis should do the trick.