A community that occurs along the shores of lakes and streams on outcrops of calcareous rocks such as limestone and dolomite. The vegetation is sparse, as most of the plants plants are rooted in rock crevices. Mosses and lichens may be common on the rocks. Characteristic species include wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), sedges (Carex eburnea, C. granularis), silky dogwood (Cornus amomum), red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea), and meadow rue (Thalictrum spp.). Characteristic mosses include Tortella tortuosa and Tortula ruralis.

Calcareous shoreline outcrops can be found along streams and lake shorelines in calcareous regions of the state. A shoreline or streambed environment consisting of exposed pavement bedrock and large slabs of sparsely vegetated limestone identify this community. Typical examples have pure calcareous bedrock: limestone, dolostone, calcite, or marble.

Known examples of this community have been found at elevations between 20 feet and 1600 feet.