It is usually found growing in swamps, sphagnum bogs, and subalpine herbfields, often in clonal colonies.Thelymitra cyanea is a tuberous, perennial herb with a single erect, fleshy, channelled, linear leaf 150–250 mm (6–10 in) long and 5–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) wide.

[3][4][5][6][7] The veined sun orchid was first formally described in 1840 by John Lindley and given the name Macdonaldia cyanea.

[9] The specific epithet (cyanea) is derived from the Ancient Greek word kyanos meaning "dark blue".

[10] Thelymitra cyanea is widespread and often common in many parts of south-eastern Australia and New Zealand.

[3][4][6][7][11] This orchid is widespread and common, but listed as "endangered" in South Australia where most of its former habitat has been drained and is now under cultivation.