[1][2] Prasophyllum elatum was first described in 1810 by Robert Brown in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae.

[3] John Lindley noted in his 1840 book The Genera and Species of Orchidaceous Plants that "My Swan River specimens of this are from 3 to 4 feet [90-100 cm] high, with a spike of flowers 9 inches [23 cm] long".

[4] The specific epithet (elatum) is a Latin word meaning "exalted", "high" or "lofty".

[2] In Western Australia it grows in sand, gravel and laterite in winter-wet depressions.

[6] In Victoria it is found in moist to well drained soil in heathy woodlands and open forest, in full sun or semi shade where it flowers better after fire.