This alliance encompasses marsh vegetation dominated by tall sedges, which form high tussocks in some cases. Tussocky stands tend to be species-richer than those in which stoloniferous sedges dominate. Communities of the Magno-Caricion elatae occupy fishpond littoral zones and depressions in mire complexes supplied with nutrient-poor water. Water table is more stable than in the alliance Magno-Caricion gracilis; it is above the soil surface over the most of the growing season. Because of their sensitivity to eutrophication, all associations of this alliance have became rare, except the association Equiseto-Caricetum rostratae, which is still rather common.