The names Calamagrostis elatior and C. pseudophragmites var. tartarica are lectotypified. The taxonomic status of C. elatior is clarified and discussed, especially in relation to C. scabrescens-C. lahulensis complex. An amended circumscription of C. elatior is given along with live photograph and microscopic photo plates, and a new distributional range is reported. In addition to this, we have provided the morphological evidence to treat C. pseudophragmites var. tartarica as a distinct taxon and, compared it with C. pseudophragmites var. pseudophragmites.