Cyanicula ashbyae is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous, herb with an underground tuber and a single flat leaf, 20–40 mm (0.8–2 in) long, 10–15 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide which is often withered when the flower opens.

[3][4][5] Cyanicula ashbyae was first formally described in 2000 Stephen Hopper and Andrew Brown in Lindleyana from a specimen collected in the Chiddarcooping Nature Reserve near Mukinbudin.

[2] The specific epithet (ashbyae) honours Miss Alison Ashby who is credited with discovering this species.

[4] The powder-blue china orchid grows on and near granite outcrops between Pingrup and Beacon in the Avon Wheatbelt, Coolgardie and Mallee biogeographic regions.

[3][4][5][6] Cyanicula ashbyae is classified as "not threatened" by the Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife.