Abstract Background The C-repeat-binding factors/DRE-binding factors (CBF/DREBs) comprise a key transcription factor family involved in plant stress tolerance. Yet, there is limited information about switchgrass DREB genes and their functional roles. Results In this study, four cold-inducible PvDREB1s were identified from switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), among which PvDREB1C was the one responded to cold stress later than the other three PvDREB1s. Yet, ectopic overexpression of PvDREB1C led to significantly compromised, instead of improved cold tolerance in transgenic tobacco. On the other hand, PvDREB1C was transcriptionally down-regulated in response to salt stress, but overexpression of PvDREB1C improved plant salt tolerance in transgenic tobacco. The improved salt tolerance was associated with increased K+/Na+ ratio and Ca2+ content, higher cellular osmotic potential, and activation of stress-related functional genes in the leaves of transgenic plants under salt stress. Conclusions The current results implied that PvDREB1C played opposite roles in plant cold and salt tolerance. Although DREB1s were known as positive stress regulators, particular attentions shall be paid to their potential negative regulatory role(s).