Mindy, could it be the Golden Rain Tree
Koelreuteria paniculata ? They're showy when in full bloom.
Bill

I agree with Bill. It sounds exactly like the Golden Rain Tree. Interestingly, I believe this is an invasive tree down south, particularly in Florida where it might be illegal to plant?

Laburnum is in the pea family. is Koelreuteria? Pea foliage is very distinctive, so you may have seen a Laburnum.

And laburnum common name is Golden Chain Tree and Keoleuteria is Golden Rain tree (or do I have them backwards?) common names are way too close!!

But the flowers are quite different so a google image search should clarify.

thank youall; it MUST be a golden rain tree, koelreuteria, unless there is another yellow flowering z.6 hardy tree.
I just thought it might be something different because i have TWO of these darn trees and they have never flowered ANYWHERE near the abundance and deep gold of the flowers i saw on this tree. phoooooey.i'm going to cry now.
mindy

OK there are named varieties of Golden Rain tree that can have quite varied flowering performance. You may have seen a preferred variety.
As for Laburnum, while it is a very showy tree and does have trefoil leaves, it would not be in bloom at this time. It flowers in May generally in our area.

Bill

Bill is correct. The Golden Chain tree is a spring bloomer, not mid summer. Moreover, the Golden Chain tree is generally a small tree. Mindy is describing something much larger.

I was just in that neighborhood this morning. DD and I went to the Mapporium, then we had lunch at Crazy Doughs. I specifically brought my camera to take a picture of the tree - to aid in the ID for this thread. But lo and behold, I could not find a tree with yellow flowers on that section of Boylston Street.

pixie, well if you aren't the nicest thing! i'm guessing it's gone by, but i will check it as well when i'm next in town. thank you so much for thinking of me!
best,
mindy