High temperatures and lack of water cause stress for plants. Lots of my plants were considerably shorter this year.
The cause for the leaves not opening was most likely due to Leaf Rollers.

Here is a link that might be useful: Leaf Rollers - cause and cure

Thank you so much! It is indeed the lesser leaf roller. The pictures on the link identified the pest exactly, as well as, the damage they cause. It also identified the possible source of their origination: after six years of disposing of the stalks and leaves, I used them for mulch.

I enjoyed your member page immensly. The digital photography appears to be coming along with the great shot of the eastern towhee.