E. nutans was divided into 3 different groups (ecotypes) : typical E. nutans, high multi-spikelet E. nutans and spike-ramosed E. sibiricus base on their morphological variations.

• 垂穗披碱草分为典型垂穗披碱草、高大多小穗垂穗披碱草和分枝型垂穗披碱草3个类群（生态型）。